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Illustration of Fiji Awaits Answers on Election Night App Glitch

Election Glitch: Two Years Later, Still No Answers for Fijians

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The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to fulfill its commitment to investigate the significant ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election, leaving citizens seeking clarity nearly two years later. Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections (SoE), has pointed out that despite the preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections, there have been no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding how to address the issue.

The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during the critical vote-counting process, resulting in the suspension of provisional results and confusion over vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem attributed the malfunction to data transmission failures that led to inaccuracies in the reported vote counts for several candidates. This incident raised significant concerns about the legitimacy of the election, particularly voiced by then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, Sitiveni Rabuka.

Mataiciwa has consistently emphasized the urgency for a thorough and comprehensive report regarding the incident, stating, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” Alongside addressing the glitch, she has also raised logistical concerns about the storage of ballot boxes in preparation for future elections.

Justice Minister Turaga has acknowledged the ongoing investigation and recent discussions with the Electoral Commission, indicating that the report is still under review. This scenario illustrates the complexities of ensuring electoral integrity and emphasizes the importance of transparency in governance.

While the delays in resolving these issues are frustrating for many, they also present an opportunity for reform within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability may lead to significant improvements in the electoral processes, fostering greater trust and confidence among voters in future elections.

In summary, as the investigation into the glitch continues, there is hope that open dialogue and a commitment to accountability will enhance the integrity of Fiji’s electoral framework, ultimately restoring public faith in the democratic process. It is essential to remain optimistic that these efforts will result in a stronger foundation for future elections.


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