Fiji’s Police chief Sitiveni Qiliho and Corrections head Francis Kean have been suspended.
Endorsed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere upon the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, the duo’s suspension is effective immediately pending investigation and referral to and appointment of a tribunal, according to a Fiji Government statement.
Both Qiliho and Kean have been at the helm of the Fiji Police and Fiji Corrections for almost seven years. They were appointed to the roles in March 2016.
The duo’s suspension was decided a yesterday’s COC meeting that Leader of Opposition Voreqe Bainimarama and their nominee Tupou Draunidalo walked out of.
Assistant Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew replaces Qiliho and Assistant Commissioner Corporate of the Fiji Corrections Services Salote Panapasa replaces Kean.
They serve on an acting basis.
Qiliho and Kean are the latest people to be suspended by the COC after Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem was told to step down last week to allow for an investigation into a complaint of “misbehaviour” lodged against him.
Saneem who is being replaced by Fijian Elections Office Manager Legal Ana Mataiciwa, in an acting capacity as well, has been SOE since the country’s 2014 General Election, and also oversaw the conduct of Fiji’s 2018 and 2022 elections
The relevant officers have been notified of their appointments and suspensions respectively, the Fiji Government statement read.
