Cabinet has terminated the services of the Commissioner of the Electoral Office, Papali’i Malietau Malietoa.
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This was confirmed yesterday by the Minister of the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.), Lautafi Selafi Purcell.
Lautafi said the decision was made by Cabinet on 24 June, following an investigation by the P.S.C.
“In the end, Cabinet made the decision based on findings and recommendations from the investigation report,” said Lautafi.
Pushed to elaborate on the findings, Lautafi said the allegations were proven.
“The allegations were that he breached the code of conduct. It was nothing to do with the general election, it was transactions within the office and that’s what started the investigation.”
Contacted for a comment yesterday, Papali’i declined.
The confirmation of Cabinet’s decision ends months of questions about outcome of the P.S.C’s investigation.
Papali’i was suspended with pay before Christmas last year while P.S.C. investigated allegations against him.
So what prompted the investigation?
According to Lautafi “it was an irregularity in the actions of the Commissioner that was picked up by senior staff and passed on to P.S.C.
“Some of those things I cannot go into detail about because I know he is seeking legal advise,” said Lautafi.
“This case may end up in Court and I don’t want to compromise any Court procedures.”
Asked if the suspension on the Commissioner from P.S.C. was lawful, the Minister said the issue is also being looked at.
“As far as P.S.C. is concerned, the initial decision to suspend was really the normal start of the investigation process if there are allegations,” explained Lautafi.
The main purpose of the suspension was to ensure that the investigation by P.S.C. was not hindered by the presence (of the Commissioner) in the Office.
He said having the official working might prevent others in the office from talking.
Lautafi reiterated that it’s normal part of the investigation to remove the accused while an investigation is underway.
“As far as P.S.C. is concerned they went with the P.S.C. law.
“They have the authority to suspend a person who is under investigation and for that reason and after that they may be reinstated. But unfortunately this case was prolonged for several reasons. The lawfulness of the suspension is an issue that is being looked at.”
Faimalo Mathew Lemisio is the Acting Electoral Commissioner.
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