The Constitutional Office Commission has approved the establishment of an independent selection panel tasked with evaluating and shortlisting candidates for the significant role of Commissioner of Police. According to a statement from COC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Commission will review the panel’s assessment report before presenting a recommendation for appointment to the President.
Prime Minister Rabuka noted that the Commission received a total of 30 applications for the Commissioner’s position, with four submissions coming from women, marking progress in gender diversity for this vital role.
Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Commission is in the process of identifying qualified candidates to fill the Chairperson position of the Electoral Commission. This decision aligns with Section 75(6) of the Constitution, which states that the Chairperson must either be a current judge or someone qualified to hold such a position. This move follows the resignation of Barbara Malimali from her role as Chairperson.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Commission has also supported recommendations from an independent committee concerning the salaries and allowances for individuals appointed to act in various constitutional offices, as per Section 136 of the 2013 Constitution.
This comprehensive approach by the Constitutional Office Commission not only emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public service appointments but also reflects a commitment to gender representation and fair compensation in constitutional roles. It is a positive step towards strengthening governance and ensuring that leadership positions are filled by qualified individuals who can effectively serve the public interest.
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