The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to address its promise to investigate a significant ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election, leaving citizens feeling increasingly uncertain nearly two years after the event. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa has expressed her concerns over the lack of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, especially as preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections are currently underway.

On December 14, 2022, during critical vote counting, the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned, resulting in the suspension of provisional results and confusion regarding vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem stated that the glitch was caused by failures in data transmission, which led to incorrect vote counts for several candidates. This incident stirred great skepticism about the election process, particularly from Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who raised concerns about the election’s legitimacy.

Mataiciwa has consistently highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive report to clarify the incident. She noted, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” In addition to the glitch, she has pointed out logistical challenges, including the proper storage of ballot boxes, which need to be addressed as the FEO prepares for future electoral processes.

Minister Turaga has acknowledged the complexities of the ongoing investigation and confirmed that discussions with the Electoral Commission are still in progress, with the report currently under review. This ongoing dialogue showcases the government’s commitment to maintaining electoral integrity and transparency, even amidst procedural delays.

Although the delayed investigation and lack of clarity can be frustrating for many stakeholders, this situation also presents an opportunity for meaningful reforms in Fiji’s electoral framework. The commitment of the government to transparency and accountability could foster significant improvements in the electoral process, ultimately leading to greater public trust in future elections.

In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, there is an optimistic outlook that continued efforts by government officials will pave the way for reforms that enhance the integrity of Fiji’s electoral system. Emphasizing transparency and accountability is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring that future elections are conducted fairly and reliably.