Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), has addressed rumors regarding the resignation of Barbara Malimali from her role as chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji. The Prime Minister confirmed that he received official communication from the COC secretariat about ten days after Malimali was appointed as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu had previously voiced concerns about not having seen Malimali’s resignation letter. Rabuka clarified that Malimali stepped down from her position as EC chairperson on September 3, before assuming her new role with FICAC two days later. The Prime Minister stated that he was notified of Malimali’s resignation via an email from the Solicitor-General Ropate Green, the secretary of the COC, on the morning of September 14.
Previously, Rabuka had mentioned that he was waiting for formal confirmation of the resignation. The Prime Minister’s announcement should alleviate concerns among both politicians and the public regarding the appointment process of Malimali. Seruiratu reiterated his apprehensions regarding how the resignation was managed, pointing out that September 14 was a Saturday, typically a non-working day, which raises questions about the timing and delivery of the resignation.
Seruiratu called for an investigation to ensure transparency, urging the Prime Minister to initiate a special inquiry to resolve the issue conclusively.