The Coalition Government of Fiji’s failure to act on its pledge to investigate a significant ‘glitch’ in the 2022 General Election has left many citizens frustrated nearly two years after the event. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa has indicated that with preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections already underway, there remains a concerning lack of clear instructions from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding this issue.

The glitch occurred on December 14, 2022, during the crucial vote-counting process when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned, halting the release of provisional results and casting doubt over the accuracy of vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem attributed this breakdown to problems with data transmission, which resulted in some candidates receiving incorrect vote counts. This incident raised questions about the legitimacy of the election, prompting skepticism from political figures, particularly Sitiveni Rabuka, then-leader of the People’s Alliance.

Mataiciwa has consistently stressed the urgency of producing a comprehensive report on this incident, stating, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” Besides the glitch, she highlighted logistical challenges such as the proper storage of ballot boxes as the FEO prepares for the future electoral processes.

In a recent forum on cybercrime, Minister Turaga acknowledged the ongoing investigation, mentioning that discussions with the Electoral Commission about the report are ongoing and that it is still under review. This acknowledgment underscores the complexities surrounding the pursuit of electoral integrity and highlights the connection between ongoing dialogue and public trust in democratic processes.

While the ongoing investigation’s delays are understandably frustrating, they also represent an opportunity for meaningful reforms to strengthen Fiji’s electoral framework. The commitment to transparency and accountability from government officials provides hope for improved electoral processes, which can eventually lead to greater trust in the integrity of future elections. As stakeholders await further clarity, it is essential to remain optimistic that thorough evaluations will pave the way for positive changes, ensuring reliable and fair elections in the future.