The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and Fiji’s Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro have raised concerns over the delay in receiving the report regarding the “glitch” experienced during the 2022 General Elections. This incident, which occurred on December 14, 2022, involved a malfunction in the Fiji Elections Office (FEO) app when provisional results were being counted, leading to a suspension of the announcement and resulting in confusion over the vote tallies.

Despite the passage of nearly two years, clarity on the incident remains elusive, raising critical questions about electoral integrity. Former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem attributed the malfunction to failed data transmissions, which impacted the vote counts for several candidates, leading to suspicions about the legitimacy of the election results. The situation garnered significant attention, especially from Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who expressed serious concerns over the electoral process.

Current Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, has continuously emphasized the importance of a comprehensive investigation report, highlighting that stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, and voters—are eager for updates on this matter. With preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections already underway, the lack of directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has compounded frustrations.

Minister Turaga acknowledged the complexities involved in the investigation, stating that discussions with the Electoral Commission remain ongoing and the report is still under review. While the delays may be frustrating for many, they also present a unique opportunity for reform within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability could ultimately lead to enhancements that restore public trust in future elections.

In summary, as the investigation unfolds, there is cautious optimism that continued dialogue and commitment from government officials could foster the integrity essential for future electoral processes in Fiji. This situation underscores the need for maintaining transparency and public trust as cornerstones of a vibrant democracy.