The promise made by the Coalition Government of Fiji to investigate the significant “glitch” experienced during the 2022 General Election remains unfulfilled, leaving many citizens seeking answers nearly two years later. Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections (SoE), has highlighted the lack of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, despite ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections.
The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during vote counting, which resulted in the suspension of provisional results. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem explained that the malfunction was attributed to failures in data transmission, leading to incorrect vote counts for various candidates. This situation raised considerable doubt about the legitimacy of the election results, particularly from Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who openly expressed concerns about electoral integrity.
Mataiciwa has consistently emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive report to address the ongoing issues. “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter,” she stressed. Alongside this, she noted logistical challenges regarding the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for future elections.
Minister Turaga has acknowledged the situation and confirmed that discussions with the Electoral Commission are still ongoing. He recently indicated that the report is currently under review, emphasizing the complexities involved in ensuring electoral integrity and maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
While the delays in resolving this matter are understandably frustrating for many, they also represent an important opportunity for reform within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability could lead to significant improvements in electoral processes and future election integrity.
In summary, as the investigation into the 2022 election glitch continues, there is hope that open dialogue and commitment from government officials will foster accountability and enhance the integrity of future elections in Fiji. This situation serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring fair electoral practices moving forward.
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