Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has refuted claims of delay tactics in the substantive appointment of a Supervisor of Elections and says the Constitutional Offices Commission is only following processes and procedures.
Speaking to FijiLive, Rabuka said the Electoral Commission will be consulted; however, the COC does not necessarily have to go along with their views or recommendations.
He confirmed there have been concerns raised by Electoral Commission Chairperson Barbara Malimali regarding the actions of Acting Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa but stated this had nothing to do with Mataiciwa’s actions to refer senior members of Cabinet to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Rabuka who is also Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission said that the COC is set to meet at the end of the month and in accordance with due process and rules of natural justice, all complaints against Constitutional Officers will be dealt.
He said the officers in question will be given an opportunity to respond before the Commission makes any further decisions in accordance with the Constitution.
The Prime Minister has also denied that the setback to appointing the new SOE was due to salaries and remuneration negotiations.
Rabuka said there was an Independent Review Commission that was reviewing the salaries and remunerations of Constitutional officeholders.
He said that he has not heard anything from the Acting SOE disputing her current salary and benefits package.
