Electoral Commission chairperson Barbara Malimali says the Commission is not a busybody interfering with the business of another organisation, namely the Fijian Elections Office which actually is its operational arm.
In light of recent reporting, both in mainstream and social media, Malimali in a statement expressed her astonishment over claims that the Commission is calling for the dismissal of the Acting Supervisor of Elections and interfering with the recruitment of the SOE by the Constitutional Offices of Commission.
Malimali clarified what she told the media: “Everyone needed to calm down about this.
“Let me explain what I meant – Under section 76(4) of the Constitution, the Electoral Commission has a role to play in the appointment of the SOE. The EC is also constitutionally mandated to register citizens as voters, undertake vote education, settle electoral disputes, and monitor and enforce electoral law.”
She said the Commission has oversight of the FEO just as it has a constitutional obligation to be involved in the appointment of the SOE.
Malimali said they are also dismayed at how the public seemed to be easily swayed by those who spread misinformation and rumours, and the harm that was done by them.
“The Electoral Commission is horrified to see the bullying and harassment that have erupted following these false allegations.”
“I have personally faced a lot of bullying online for the past two weeks and have been called all kinds of names.”
“We ask the public to contact us if they have questions, not listen to rumours and fear-mongering. Please let us get on with our job. We assure you all that we will continue to do our best to serve you with integrity and as a united team.”
