Fiji - September 2024

Barbara Malimali was named the head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) by the Constitutional Offices Commission on 4 September, despite being the subject of an ongoing FICAC investigation into abuse of office in her previous post as chairperson of the Electoral Commission. The ensuing controversy has reignited longstanding debates over the independence and credibility of FICAC. The FICAC Deputy Commissioner ordered Malimali be taken in for questioning on 5 September and then, after a public backlash from other high-ranking officials, resigned herself, citing pressure to not open investigations into Malimali and other high-ranking officials. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has said there is no reason for Malimali to resign unless she is formally charged by FICAC, while opposition politicians, such as former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, have insisted she must step aside to ensure a transparent and accountable inquiry. 

Update: Malimali was cleared of the original charges of abuse of office during her time at the Electoral Commission on 27 November 2025. However, allegations of corruption and improper influence against Malimali and the Fijian government remain, and the investigation into the matter of and justification for her dismissal continues. Legal cases are continuing. 

Sources: Fiji Sun (1), Radio New Zealand (1), Radio New Zealand (2), Fiji Sun (2), Fiji Sun (3), Radio New Zealand (4), DevPolicy