The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to fulfill its promise to investigate the significant “glitch” that occurred during the 2022 General Election, leaving citizens without clarity nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, has expressed her concern over the lack of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, despite preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections.

The glitch, which occurred on December 14, 2022, involved a malfunction of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app during the crucial vote-counting process. This resulted in a suspension of provisional results and confusion regarding vote tallies. Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, pointed to problems with data transmission as the cause, which led to incorrect vote counts for various candidates. Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, publicly questioned the legitimacy of the election outcomes following this incident.

Mataiciwa has repeatedly stressed the need for a comprehensive report on the glitch, stating, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, and voters—want updates on this matter.” She also raised logistical challenges related to the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO gears up for the next elections, emphasizing the need for accountability in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Minister Turaga acknowledged the ongoing investigation as he recently participated in a forum about cybercrime, confirming that discussions with the Electoral Commission are still underway. While the report remains under review, this highlights the complexity of electoral integrity.

Although the delay in addressing these issues is frustrating for many, it also presents an opportunity for needed reforms in Fiji’s electoral framework. The government’s continued commitment to transparency and accountability offers hope for improvements that can restore public trust and ensure the democratic process is upheld in future elections.

In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch is still unresolved, there is optimism that continued dialogue among officials will lead to significant advancements in the electoral system, thereby fostering a stronger democracy in Fiji. It is essential that stakeholders remain hopeful for positive changes that can emerge from this situation.