The Coalition Government of Fiji’s commitment to investigate the significant ‘glitch’ during the 2022 General Election is still unfulfilled, leaving many citizens feeling frustrated nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa remarked that there have been no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, even as preparations advance for the 2026 elections.

The incident in question happened on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during vote counting, causing a suspension of provisional results and confusion about vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem attributed the glitch to issues with data transmission, resulting in inaccuracies in the reported votes for certain candidates. This incident led to widespread skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the election results, particularly from political figures such as Sitiveni Rabuka, then-leader of the People’s Alliance party.

Mataiciwa has continuously highlighted the urgency for a comprehensive report to address the fallout from the glitch, emphasizing that “two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” Additionally, she raised concerns about logistical challenges, including the storage of ballot boxes, as the FEO gears up for future elections.

Minister Turaga has acknowledged the ongoing investigation, stating that discussions with the Electoral Commission about the matter are active and that the report is still under review. This reflects a commitment to addressing the complexities surrounding electoral integrity and highlights the importance of transparency within the governance process.

Despite the frustration associated with the prolonged investigation, this situation presents an opportunity for meaningful reforms within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability may lead to significant improvements, helping to restore public trust and ensure that future elections uphold the principles of integrity and fairness.

In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, the continued dialogue among government officials provides hope for future enhancements in the electoral processes of Fiji. As the situation unfolds, maintaining public trust and ensuring fair elections will be critical for supporting a strong democratic framework moving forward.