The process of selecting a new chairperson for the Electoral Commission has commenced following the departure of lawyer Barbara Malimali, who recently became the Commissioner of FICAC. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission, announced that he has requested members of the commission to submit their nominations for the replacement.
Rabuka stated, “I have informed the COC that there is a vacancy at the Electoral Commission for a chair and asked for nominations, which should be submitted via a written opinion by email.” He added that the individual he initially proposed has graciously declined the nomination.
“I nominated someone, but when I checked in with that person, he kindly requested to be left out,” Rabuka explained. “Now, I need to find another candidate to nominate.”
The selection process will involve voting among the COC members. “Once the nominations are received, we will call for a vote,” Rabuka said, indicating that this would lead to the appointment of the new chair for the Electoral Commission.
The members of the COC include Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, Attorney-General Graham Leung, Cema Bolabola, Jon Apted, and Tupou Draunidalo.
In related news, Rabuka mentioned that he has not yet received any updates regarding the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police. “The COMPOL position has not been communicated back to me,” he said, noting that there has been no feedback on the advertisement, shortlisting, or interviews conducted for the role.