The process to appoint a new chairperson for the Electoral Commission has commenced following the departure of Barbara Malimali, who recently became the FICAC Commissioner. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), announced he has invited COC members to submit their nominations for this vacant position.
Rabuka mentioned that he had put forward a nominee, but that individual has since declined the offer. “I sent in one but after checking with the person I nominated, he graciously requested to be left out. So, I have to find someone else to nominate,” he stated.
He added that the COC members would be responsible for voting once nominations are received. “When the nominations arrive, then we can call for a vote. And we vote, and according to that, we select the new chair of the Electoral Commission,” he explained.
The COC includes notable members such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, Attorney-General Graham Leung, Cema Bolabola, Jon Apted, and Tupou Draunidalo.
In addition, Rabuka noted 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, adding that he has not been informed about the results of the advertisement, shortlisting, or interviews.