The promise made by Fiji’s Coalition Government to investigate the “glitch” experienced during the 2022 General Election remains unfulfilled nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Ana Mataiciwa, has highlighted that there have been no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, despite ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections.

This glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during the crucial vote-counting process. The former SoE, Mohammed Saneem, attributed the disruption to failures in data transmission, leading to the suspension of provisional results and incorrect vote tallies for several candidates. This incident raised significant doubts regarding the election’s legitimacy, particularly among political figures, including Sitiveni Rabuka, then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who openly expressed his concerns about the electoral integrity.

Mataiciwa has consistently emphasized the need for a comprehensive report on the incident, stating, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” She also pointed out logistical challenges, such as the storage of ballot boxes that need to be addressed as preparations for the next election continue.

Justice Minister Turaga acknowledged the complexities surrounding the ongoing investigation, confirming that discussions with the Electoral Commission are in progress and that the report is still under review. This protracted situation underscores the challenges involved in ensuring electoral integrity, but it also represents a critical opportunity for reform within Fiji’s electoral framework.

While the frustration over delays is palpable, there is room for optimism. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability can lead to significant improvements, fostering public trust in future elections. Continued dialogue between officials signals hope for a stronger electoral process moving forward, reinforcing the vital principles of integrity and fairness that underpin any robust democracy.

In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch is still unresolved, ongoing efforts to address these electoral challenges offer a glimmer of hope for a more transparent and trustworthy electoral landscape in Fiji.