Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Executive Director Nalini Singh, retired civil servants Nemani Mati and Ratu Inoke Dokonivalu Loganimoce, Reginald Jokhan, and interim chairperson Barbara Malimali held their first meeting in Suva today as confirmed members of the Electoral Commission joined by Ateca Ledua from the previous commission that oversaw Fiji’s 2022 General Election.
During the meeting, the EC discussed the filling of FijiFirst’s two vacant seats. They endorsed Sachida Nand to replace Voreqe Bainimarama who resigned early March. The EC is conducting background checks on a prospective candidate to replace Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete, who also resigned in March.
In addition to the seat replacements, the EC also decided on sitting dates.
“I am happy with the decisions we have been able to make today, particularly to the fact that the EC is at the moment gender balanced and made up of members from diverse backgrounds, experience, and shared values in good governance,” Malimali said.
“We are looking forward to having our induction workshop and dealing with outstanding matters before the Commission.”
It is uncertain when the newly elected members were confirmed to the role since they were recommended by the Constitutional Offices Commission last week.
