The Fiji Elections Office (FEO) is under pressure to rigorously test any new technology for the forthcoming elections to ensure reliability. Filipe Makrava, a resident of Oinafa in Rotuma, voiced this concern during a public consultation facilitated by the Fiji Law Reform Commission. He emphasized that for remote communities, such as Rotuma, any glitches in the voting system could severely erode public trust.
“We can’t afford to wait until election day to discover failures. Last election day, there were glitches, and it raised serious questions about the electoral process,” Makrava remarked. He argued that while technology has its advantages, it also presents risks if not properly vetted prior to implementation.
The urgency for thorough testing is underscored by past experiences, particularly the significant glitch experienced during the 2022 General Election, which raised doubts about the integrity of the electoral process. This glitch occurred when the FEO app malfunctioned during vote counting, which led to confusion over vote tallies. Former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem cited issues with data transmission as the reason for the inaccuracies, leading to public skepticism, especially from political leaders like Sitiveni Rabuka.
As the FEO prepares for the upcoming 2026 elections, there is hope that the ongoing investigations and discussions may result in substantial reforms, fostering transparency and integrity within Fiji’s electoral framework. Engaging in these proactive measures can restore citizen confidence, ensuring that future elections are conducted fairly and securely.
This situation presents a critical opportunity for enhancement in the electoral process, aligning technological advancements with public expectations for reliability and transparency. Such improvements are essential for upholding the democratic values that the Fijian public deserves.
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