The Constitutional Office Commission has approved the establishment of an independent selection panel tasked with evaluating and shortlisting candidates for the position of Commissioner of Police. Chairperson and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Commission will review the panel’s assessment report before forwarding a recommendation for appointment to the President.
Rabuka noted that the Commission received a total of 30 applications for the Commissioner of Police role, including four submissions from women, highlighting progress toward inclusive representation in leadership positions.
Additionally, the Prime Minister indicated that the Commission is also in the process of identifying suitable candidates for the Chairperson position of the Electoral Commission. This follows the resignation of Barbara Malimali from that role. Rabuka emphasized the constitutional requirement that the Chairperson must be a sitting judge or qualified to be one, ensuring adherence to legal standards in the electoral process.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed that the Commission endorsed the recommendations made by an independent committee related to the remuneration and allowances for individuals appointed to act in various constitutional offices, aligning with Section 136 of the 2013 Constitution.
This initiative not only aims at strengthening the integrity of key positions in governance but also signifies a commitment to transparency and fair representation in public service roles. The move towards an independent selection panel and the consideration for diversity further underscores the determination to build a more equitable system.
In summary, the recent decisions by the Constitutional Office Commission reflect a significant step towards enhancing governance and representation in public office, with an emphasis on constitutional compliance and accountability.
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