Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that he has not yet received an official notification regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This statement follows the announcement that Ms. Malimali was appointed as a Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on September 4. Her appointment has sparked controversy due to her ongoing investigation by FICAC.
Rabuka emphasized that any resignation should come directly from the commission, as they appointed her to the chair position. “We should be notified. As far as I’m concerned, as of now the secretary of the commission has not notified the chair. I will wait for him to notify me,” he remarked.
While Ms. Malimali confirmed her resignation as chairperson of the EC, she did not offer any additional details about the situation.
The Commission on Constitutional (COC) is a mandated advisory body under the 2013 Constitution. It is tasked with recommending candidates and advising the President on appointments for various significant public office roles. These include positions such as the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, the Secretary-General of Parliament, the chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Fiji Correction Services, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Auditor-General, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF).