Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the Commission of Inquiry that the Constitutional Officers Commission was “was aware of longstanding tensions between Ms. (Barbara) Malimali and Ms. Ana Mataiciwa”, the Supervisor of Elections (SoE).
Ms Malimali was the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF)
The CoI report released yesterday states Mr Rabuka gave detailed evidence about a lengthy letter from the ECF, signed by Ms. Malimali, which objected to the appointment of Ms. Mataiciwa as SoE.
“There was also the April 2 Malimali Letter included criticism of the COC Selection Panel’s process, and proposed alternative appointment models, including a rotation between Ms. Mataiciwa, Ms. Ana Senimoli, and Mr Sanjeshwar Ram, or the appointment of Mr. Graham Leung as SoE with Ms. Mataiciwa as Deputy,” states the CoI report.
“Hon. Rabuka acknowledged that the letter was discussed at length within the COC but confirmed that no formal response was issued.”
“He noted that the letter was later leaked to the media and attracted commentary suggesting that Ms. Malimali had attempted to interfere with the appointment process.”
“While he found such media commentary disappointing, he indicated that he deferred to the legal position provided by the Secretariat.”
“He stated that he was unsure whether the letter had been written on behalf of all of the ECF Commissioners or just by Ms. Malimali personally, despite its use of plural pronouns and the Chairperson’s signature.”
“He acknowledged disappointment upon learning that the other ECF Commissioners had not endorsed the proposals contained in the letter.”
