The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to address the significant “glitch” experienced during the 2022 General Election, leaving many citizens frustrated nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa has stressed that there are still no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga despite ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections.

On December 14, 2022, a malfunction occurred in the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app during the crucial vote-counting process. This led to the suspension of provisional results and confusion over the reported vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem indicated that failures in data transmission were to blame, resulting in incorrect vote counts for some candidates, thereby raising doubts about the legitimacy of the election. This situation sparked concerns from political leaders, particularly Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who expressed skepticism regarding the electoral outcomes.

Mataiciwa has continually highlighted the urgent need for a thorough report on this incident, noting the passing of two years since the elections and the desire for clarity among political parties, candidates, and voters. Additionally, she pointed out logistical challenges concerning the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for future elections.

Minister Turaga acknowledged that discussions regarding the investigation are ongoing and the report is under review. He emphasized the complexities associated with ensuring electoral integrity, which further stresses the importance of transparency in governance.

While the delays in addressing these critical issues have understandably caused frustration, they can also be seen as an opportunity for meaningful reform in Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability holds the potential to restore public trust and ensure that future elections are conducted under fair and transparent conditions.

In summary, although the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, the ongoing discussions among officials present a hopeful outlook for enhancing electoral integrity in Fiji. Maintaining public trust and ensuring fair electoral practices are essential for a robust democratic framework, and the situation highlights the critical need for continued dialogue and proactive measures.