The Coalition Government’s promise to investigate the troubling ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election in Fiji has yet to be fulfilled, leaving numerous Fijians without transparency nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Ana Mataiciwa, indicated that there have been no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding how to address this issue as preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections continue.

The glitch, which took place on December 14, 2022, occurred when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during vote counting, leading to a halt in the release of provisional results. Following the incident, former SoE Mohammed Saneem reported that unsuccessful data transmissions caused inaccuracies in vote tallies, fueling distrust among political figures, particularly Sitiveni Rabuka, who was then the leader of the People’s Alliance.

Mataiciwa has consistently voiced the necessity for a comprehensive report to address public concerns. She stated, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, are seeking updates on this matter.” Additionally, she raised issues regarding the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for the next election.

Minister Turaga has acknowledged the significance of the ongoing investigation, mentioning at a recent cybercrime forum that the report is still under review, with discussions with the Electoral Commission continuing. This highlights the complexity of ensuring electoral integrity and emphasizes the need for transparency in governance.

In summary, the continued dialogue between government officials and the Electoral Commission, despite procedural delays, hints at a commitment to resolving these electoral issues and restoring public trust. While the investigation’s protracted nature is frustrating, it also signifies an opportunity for improving the electoral framework in Fiji, which ultimately bodes well for future elections and democratic processes.