Dialogue Fiji has voiced its strong disappointment regarding the recent decision to discontinue the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) mobile application, labeling it a “regrettable and backward step” that threatens election transparency, innovative practices, and public access to reliable information. The organization highlighted that the mobile app was previously viewed as one of the most advanced election administration tools in the Pacific region, offering citizens, stakeholders, and researchers immediate access to election results, historical data, and an interactive D’Hondt seat allocation calculator.
Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, stressed the app’s role as a pioneer in innovative election management and an emblem of progress in data transparency. He lamented that its removal marks a significant setback for Fiji’s election administration practices. “The experience that Fijians had in accessing election results in real-time, presented in a visually engaging format, cannot be compared to traditional media dissemination,” Lal asserted.
Lal also cautioned that the absence of a trusted platform for official results could fuel the spread of misinformation during elections. “Without a credible source for live results, fabricated figures may circulate online, thereby undermining trust in the electoral process,” he warned. Despite acknowledging that the app had faced technical difficulties during previous elections, Lal argued that these issues should have warranted fixes rather than leading to its discontinuation. He urged the authorities to focus on user education and platform improvements instead of dismantling the application.
In a similar vein, Opposition MP Premila Kumar criticized the scrapping of the app, emphasizing that it was essential for fostering democracy and public confidence by providing direct updates and results. Kumar pointed out that in a digital age, maintaining connectivity and transparency is crucial for strengthening democracy, and that the app had become a vital tool for voters seeking timely and credible election information.
As the FEO prepares for future elections, it has opted to revert to traditional media reporting methods, allowing journalists direct access to official results. This change follows challenges associated with the app during the last election, where discrepancies and confusion arose due to different results reported across platforms. These efforts aim to restore faith in Fiji’s electoral processes and enhance transparency in information dissemination.
Political observers applaud the commitment to addressing past issues, fostering a hopeful environment where reforms may lead to a more robust electoral framework. By reinforcing the integrity and transparency of the electoral system, Fiji can advance its democratic values and restore trust among its citizens as it heads into the upcoming electoral cycles. The proactive measures taken by the FEO indicate a positive direction towards achieving a trustworthy and effective electoral process in the nation.
Leave a comment