The Coalition Government of Fiji’s commitment to investigate the troubling ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election remains unfulfilled, leading to growing frustration among citizens nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, highlighted that despite ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections, there have been no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding the investigation’s progress.

The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, during the crucial vote-counting process when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned. This led to the suspension of provisional results and raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, attributed the malfunction to data transmission failures, which resulted in some candidates receiving confusing and inaccurate vote counts. Then-leader of the People’s Alliance, Sitiveni Rabuka, expressed his distrust in the election outcomes following the incident.

Mataiciwa has reiterated the pressing need for a comprehensive report to clarify the situation for stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters. “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders want updates on this matter,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency for transparency. She also pointed out logistical issues regarding the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for the next election cycle.

In recent remarks, Minister Turaga acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation during discussions at a cybercrime forum, stating that the report remains under review and discussions with the Electoral Commission continue. He expressed a desire for further evaluations before a complete disclosure to the Cabinet and subsequently to the public.

The extended investigation brings to light the complexities and necessary thoroughness involved in electoral oversight. While the current delays may be disheartening, they also present an opportunity for the government to reinforce the integrity and transparency of future elections. By actively engaging with stakeholders and addressing concerns, there is hope for enhanced democratic processes in Fiji, ultimately restoring public trust in the electoral framework.

In summary, though the investigation remains ongoing, the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability may yield positive outcomes for Fiji’s electoral integrity in the long run.