The situation surrounding Barbara Malimali has intensified, as Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has lodged a police report against the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner. The report was submitted on November 28, 2024, to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew and alleges misuse of office, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses.
This complaint is associated with a formal investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) scrutinizing Malimali. Concurrently, she is under investigation for alleged impropriety during her term as chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Mr. Chew confirmed the receipt of the report and noted that investigations are currently in progress. In her responses to inquiries, Mataiciwa explained her decision to file the complaint came after receiving notifications from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission and the Chief Registrar’s Office regarding allegations made by Malimali against her—claims which suggested that Mataiciwa facilitated Malimali’s arrest.
Mataiciwa asserted that since Malimali is a significant witness in a current CID investigation, her actions constitute acts of intimidation and harassment. Additionally, former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, has lodged his own complaint against Malimali, accusing her of misusing her authority to impose an unlawful stop departure order earlier this year.
Mr. Chew also confirmed that this matter has been referred to the CID for further investigation. Efforts to contact Malimali for comments have not been successful as of this publication.
This ongoing saga highlights the complexity and intertwining of various allegations and investigations in Fiji’s political landscape, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of public offices. As the investigations progress, there is hope that transparency will emerge from this situation, fostering a more accountable governance structure in Fiji.
In summary, the case involving Barbara Malimali has led to multiple accusations and investigations, reflecting challenges within the integrity of Fiji’s electoral oversight and governance.
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