The legal proceedings regarding Barbara Malimali, the former Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), have been resolved after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue further action. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu announced this decision, confirming that all relevant reports, including the case file on Malimali, had been thoroughly reviewed.
The investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential voter information originated from Malimali’s position as the Electoral Chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji, with the initial report submitted to the DPP on March 21. After conducting a detailed evaluation, the DPP concluded that there was no basis for prosecution.
Commissioner Tudravu emphasized the comprehensive scrutiny of the 12 reports related to public-order cases connected to the Commission of Inquiry (COI), all of which have been forwarded to the DPP for independent legal assessment. He stressed the significance of maintaining transparency in these dealings and expressed the anticipation of guidance concerning the pending cases.
Malimali’s tenure as FICAC Commissioner faced challenges that ultimately led to her dismissal after a government-led inquiry pointed out procedural inconsistencies and alleged misconduct during her time with the Electoral Commission.
In recent developments, FICAC has also closed numerous cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections, which involved allegations against prominent political figures concerning various corrupt activities and false declarations. The Commission reaffirmed its dedication to upholding strict standards in handling complaints and confirmed its ongoing investigations into several other matters. FICAC’s efforts highlight a strong commitment to integrity and transparency in Fiji’s political arena, serving to reinforce public confidence in the governance process.