Electoral Commission Board in Chaos

Some Electoral Commission (EC) members are unaware of a letter from the chairperson, Barbara Malimali, to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) suggesting the removal of acting supervisor of elections, Ana Mataiciwa.

The letter was delivered to the COC secretariat on April 2, while its chair, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, was touring the Northern Division.

Last night, three EC members, speaking anonymously, said there was no prior discussion or decision to write such a letter to PM Rabuka.

The Electoral Commission comprises chairperson Ms Malimali, and six members: Ateca Ledua, Dr Atu Emberson-Bain, Nalini Singh, Nemani Mati, Reginald Jokhan and Inoke Loganimoce.

The commission is an independent, non-partisan body responsible for voter registration and ensuring free and fair elections, as per electoral laws.

Yesterday, Ms Malimali denied writing a letter to the COC regarding Ms Mataiciwa when questioned outside the Suva courthouse.

However, Mr Rabuka confirmed receiving a letter on Sunday, and on Monday, he acknowledged public complaints.

In a previous interview, Mr Rabuka mentioned the letter expressed the EC’s dissatisfaction with several decisions made by acting SoE Ms Mataiciwa, along with recommendations for COC investigations.

Ms Malimali defended her actions, saying the letter was part of a routine correspondence and not a complaint.

“I think everybody has blown that letter out of proportion,” Ms Malimali said.

“I think what people need to understand is I made no complaints, and I didn’t say anything about anybody.

“I think everybody needs to calm down and let everybody else do their job.

“I’ve sent many letters to the COC regarding positions. I write a letter to everyone every month - to the COC, A-G (Attorney-General) and I’ve been writing, asking for a Supervisor for a while now.”

The COC secretariat has not scheduled a meeting to address the matter, but minutes have been circulated to capture the board’s decision outside the regular meeting cycle.

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