The situation surrounding Barbara Malimali has escalated significantly, as Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has filed a police report against the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This report was submitted on November 28, 2024, to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew. It includes allegations of abuse of office, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses related to the ongoing inquiry by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into Ms. Malimali.
This troubling development follows scrutiny of Ms. Malimali’s appointment by a Commission of Inquiry. The CID is also looking into alleged abuse of office pertaining to her previous role as chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Mr. Chew confirmed that investigations into the report are currently underway. In her statement, Ms. Mataiciwa noted that her decision to file the complaint was prompted by notifications she received from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) and the Chief Registrar’s Office regarding accusations made by Ms. Malimali against her.
Ms. Mataiciwa expressed concern that Ms. Malimali’s status as a key witness in an ongoing CID investigation renders her actions an instance of intimidation and harassment. In addition, former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, has lodged a separate complaint against Ms. Malimali, alleging that she misused her authority by issuing a stop departure order earlier this year. This complaint has also been forwarded to the CID for investigation.
Efforts to reach Ms. Malimali for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
This situation raises complex issues regarding the integrity of positions within electoral oversight and the mechanisms in place to address allegations of misconduct. As investigations proceed, there is hope that the outcome will reinforce accountability and strengthen the trust in electoral processes in Fiji.
Summary: Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has filed a police report against the FICAC Commissioner, alleging abuse of office and intimidation, linked to an ongoing CID investigation into Barbara Malimali. Both she and former FICAC Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai have lodged complaints against each other, complicating the situation surrounding electoral governance in Fiji.
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