The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to fulfill its promise to investigate the significant ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election, raising concerns among citizens nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has expressed frustration over the absence of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, even as preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections move forward.

This glitch, which took place on December 14, 2022, involved a malfunction of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app during the crucial vote-counting process. The failure in data transmission resulted in the suspension of provisional results and inaccuracies in vote tallies reported for various candidates. This incident significantly undermined public confidence, prompting comments from then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, Sitiveni Rabuka, who voiced skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the election outcomes.

Mataiciwa has repeatedly underscored the urgency of releasing a comprehensive report on the incident, noting, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” Alongside this, she highlighted logistical concerns regarding ballot box storage as the FEO gears up for future elections.

Minister Turaga has acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating that discussions with the Electoral Commission remain active. He indicated that the report is still under review but expressed a need for further evaluations before it can be fully disclosed to the Cabinet and the public.

The prolonged investigation illuminates the complexities involved in ensuring electoral integrity and emphasizes the necessity for transparency and accountability within Fiji’s electoral system. Although the delays are frustrating, they also signify an opportunity for the government to address the concerns that have emerged and potentially strengthen the electoral framework moving forward.

In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, the commitment to thorough evaluations and transparency from government officials offers hope for improved electoral processes in the future. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of restoring public trust and ensuring that future elections are conducted under robust and reliable conditions.