The Coalition Government’s promise to investigate the troubling ‘glitch’ during the 2022 General Election in Fiji remains unfulfilled, raising concerns for citizens nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, has highlighted that despite ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections, clear instructions from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga about addressing the glitch have yet to surface.

The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned while counting votes, leading to a disruption in provisional results. The former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, attributed the incident to failures in data transmission, which incorrectly altered vote counts for some candidates. This situation fueled doubts about the election’s legitimacy, particularly from Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party.

Mataiciwa has consistently called for a comprehensive analysis of the incident, stressing the urgency of updates for various stakeholders, including political parties and voters. “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders want updates on this matter,” she remarked, highlighting the pressing need for accountability and transparency.

In addition to addressing the glitch, Mataiciwa pointed out other logistical issues, including the storage of ballot boxes, indicating the complexities facing the FEO as they prepare for future elections. Minister Turaga is expected to provide an update on the situation as discussions regarding the investigation continue.

Amid the ongoing investigations, there is hope that the dialogue and commitment from government officials will result in enhanced transparency and accountability in Fiji’s electoral processes. Although the delays are concerning, the emphasis on thorough evaluations is critical for fostering trust and integrity in future elections. As the investigation progresses, it is essential to remain optimistic that positive changes will emerge, ultimately leading to a stronger electoral framework in Fiji.