Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) in a recent Commission of Inquiry report released this week. While testifying, she mentioned that she received directives from “higher authorities” regarding electoral processes and the handling of complaint referrals during her tenure as Manager Legal at the FEO. However, the report does not clarify who these higher authorities are.
Mataiciwa, who has been with the FEO since its inception in 2014, described a culture of fear and intimidation prevalent within the organization under the previous regime. She indicated that certain complaints were redirected to the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) due to political influence, thus compromising the independence of the FEO.
Upon her appointment as Acting Supervisor of Elections in January 2023, Mataiciwa initiated a review of the electoral processes, which revealed that many internal and external stakeholders viewed the FEO as politically compromised. This situation reflects broader concerns with governance structures, notably the tensions involving Barbara Malimali, the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, who has been accused of misconduct and intimidation.
Mataiciwa’s allegations resonate with prior claims that the electoral oversight body has faced challenges in maintaining independence and accountability. Similar to her situation, prior reports indicated that Malimali has also been accused of harassment and intimidation towards staff within the FEO and misuse of confidential information aimed at discrediting witnesses related to ongoing investigations.
The ongoing inquiry represents an opportunity for reform within Fiji’s governance, aiming to address the allegations of misconduct and promote a transparent electoral process. There is a hopeful perspective that as these investigations unfold, they will bolster public confidence in the electoral system and its institutions. This situation could be pivotal in ensuring that Fiji’s democratic principles are upheld, reinforcing the importance of integrity and accountability within public offices.
This article underscores the critical importance of addressing systemic issues within electoral governance and highlights the pressing need for continued vigilance to safeguard the credibility of democratic processes in Fiji.
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