The Coalition Government of Fiji’s commitment to investigate the “glitch” experienced during the 2022 General Election remains unfulfilled, creating ongoing frustration among citizens nearly two years after the incident. Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Ana Mataiciwa, has expressed concern over the lack of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga as preparations for the next elections in 2026 continue.

The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned, leading to a suspension of provisional results and confusion over vote tallies. Former SoE, Mohammed Saneem, attributed this failure to issues with data transmission, which resulted in incorrect vote counts for certain candidates, raising significant doubts about the election’s legitimacy. Political figures, including Sitiveni Rabuka, then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, voiced skepticism regarding the election outcomes following the malfunction.

Mataiciwa reiterated the urgency of a comprehensive report on the glitch, stressing that it has been two years since the elections and that stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, and voters—are eager for updates. Furthermore, she raised logistical issues concerning the storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for future electoral processes.

Minister Turaga acknowledged the complexities surrounding the investigation, indicating that discussions with the Electoral Commission are ongoing, and the report is still under review. This reflects a commitment to ensuring electoral integrity and emphasizes the importance of transparency in the electoral process.

While the ongoing investigation’s delays are understandably frustrating, they also represent an opportunity for meaningful reforms within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability could lead to significant enhancements that restore public trust in future elections.

In summary, as the investigation into the 2022 election glitch continues without resolution, the ongoing dialogue among officials offers hope for future improvements in Fiji’s electoral processes. Maintaining public trust and ensuring fair elections are essential components of a robust democratic framework.