The Constitutional Offices Commission is an advisory body that is responsible for providing advice to the President of Fiji for the appointment of key officials within public offices in Fiji.[1]
 Suvavou House which houses the headquarters of the Commission | |
| Formation | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Type | Advisory body |
| Headquarters | Suvavou House, Suva |
| Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka | |
Key people | 6 members including the chairperson: |
History
editEstablished by the 1997 Constitution of Fiji, the Commission originally consisted of a chairperson and two other individuals, all appointed by the President on the advice of the responsible Minister.[2] When the 2013 Constitution of Fiji came into effect, the Commission was re-established but came with many changes including the Prime Minister being a member of the Commission and chairperson.[3][4]
On 17 April 2015, the Commission held its first meeting since the 2006 coup under the premiership of Frank Bainimarama. Bainimarama's appointee was Ajith Kodagoda. Other members of the meeting included Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Opposition Leader Teimumu Kepa and her appointee, lawyer Richard Naidu.[5]
Controversy
editIn November 2015, Ben Groenewald resigned as Police Commissioner citing military interference. Frank Bainimarama as chairperson of the Commission then advised President Epeli Nailatikau to appoint Sitiveni Qiliho who is a senior military officer.[6] Teimumu Kepa called on Bainimarama to revoke the appointment stating that it was "inappropriate" and raised concerns about the independence of the police.[7] Richard Naidu resigned from the Commission claiming the body was politicised.[8][9]
Functions
editAccording to the 2013 Constitution of Fiji, the Commission is responsible to provide advice to the President in relation to the appointment of key public positions:[3]
- Chairperson and the members of the Fiji Human Rights Commission
- Chairperson and the members of the Electoral Commission
- Supervisor of Elections
- Secretary-General to Parliament
- Chairperson and the members of the Public Service Commission
- Commissioner of Police
- Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service
- Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces
- Auditor-General
- Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
Members
editThe Commission is composed of six members:[4]
- Prime Minister of Fiji (Chairperson)
- Leader of the Opposition
- Attorney-General of Fiji
- Two individuals selected by the Prime Minister and one by the Opposition Leader.
Current members
editThe current members of the Commission are:[10]
- Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka
- Opposition Leader Frank Bainimarama
- Attorney-General Siromi Turaga
- Cema Bolabola (Government)
- Jon Apted (Government)
- Tupou Draunidalo (Opposition)
References
edit- ^ "Fiji government urged to set up key commission". RNZ. 3 April 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "1997 Constitution of Fiji" (PDF). Constitution Net. 21 August 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ a b "2013 Constitution of Fiji" (PDF). Fijian Government. p. 56. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2023 – via Constitute Project.
- ^ a b "2013 Constitution of Fiji" (PDF). Fijian Government. p. 55. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2023 – via Constitute Project.
- ^ "First meeting of Fiji's Constitutional Offices Commission held". RNZ. 17 April 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Fiji Police Commissioner Groenewald resigns". RNZ. 10 November 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Fiji PM urged to rescind Qiliho appointment". RNZ. 13 November 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Fiji government defends appointment". RNZ. 16 November 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Fiji's Qiliho appointment prompts Naidu resignation". RNZ. 16 November 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Fijivillage (6 January 2023). "Cema Bolabola and Tupou Draunidalo join Constitutional Offices Commission". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.