Justice Ratu Usaia Ratuvili has been officially appointed as the new chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) following a confirmation by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The announcement came after the Constitution-al Offices Commission (COC) finalized the appointment, which required Justice Ratuvili’s acceptance and the determination of his remuneration as a sitting judge.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that the decision had been made previously, but needed Justice Ratuvili’s confirmation and the allowance details, which were provided by an independent committee, to be finalized. This leadership role within the EC became available when the former chair, Barbara Malimali, resigned on September 14, 2024, to serve as a commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Justice Ratuvili has an impressive educational background, being a graduate of the University of the South Pacific’s inaugural LLB cohort in 1998, and he earned a Master’s degree in International Human Rights from Hong Kong University in 2007. His professional journey in law began as a legal practitioner for over a decade before he joined Fiji’s Judicial Department in 2009. He has held several significant positions, including serving as Acting Master and subsequently as a Judge of the High Court, showcasing his extensive experience in the judiciary.
With his depth of legal expertise and commitment to upholding democratic processes, Justice Ratuvili’s appointment offers hope for robust electoral oversight in Fiji as the country moves forward. His leadership in the EC is expected to strengthen the integrity of electoral processes, encouraging greater public trust in the democratic system.
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