Fiji: Investigation into senior politicians highly likely to prevent constitutional reforms for remainder of Government’s term
On 17 June, Fiji Police Force (FPF) Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu publicly announced that the FPF had completed its initial analysis of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the appointment of the anti-corruption commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Controversy surrounds Malimali’s appointment from the Electoral Commission in September 2024, she was arrested on her first day as commissioner by her deputy who claimed there was an open file against her. Prime Minister Rabuka launched a Commission of Inquiry which has stated the appointment was “legally invalid” and implicated nine senior politicians, including Deputy PMs Kamikamica and Prasad. PM Rabuka has removed Attorney-General Graham Leung and President Lalabalua has removed Malimali. FPF Commissioner Tudravu stated he intends to conduct criminal investigations as a result of the COI and is awaiting further instructions from the PM.
Assessment: The COI allegations are likely to cause initial forced political resignations, with subsequent ones to follow from the FPF’s criminal investigation. However, the latter is almost certain to take months to eventuate in prosecutions due to evidence gathering and criminal trials. While PM Rabuka is not implicated and has maintained control of the COI process to date, the effect on the coalition government will almost certainly see reshuffles and is likely to cause a loss in overall parliamentary support (The coalition currently numbers 40 out of 55 Members of Parliament). PM Rabuka is unlikely to be able to achieve the two thirds majority required for his intended constitutional reforms to be carried out in the remainder of the governmental term. General elections will take place in late 2026 to February 2027.
Sources: Jon Fraenkel, “The FICAC Commission of Inquiry Fiasco in Fiji,” Devpolicy Blog, June 27, 2025; Praneeta Prakash, “Police Complete Analysis of COI Report,” FBC News, June 27, 2025; Kamna Kumar, “Rabuka Meets Security Chiefs,” FBC News, June 28, 2025.
