The Coalition Government of Fiji has yet to fulfill its promise to investigate the troubling “glitch” that impacted the 2022 General Election, leaving citizens in a state of uncertainty nearly two years after the incident. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa expressed her frustration over the absence of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, even as preparations for the 2026 elections are already underway.

On December 14, 2022, during the vital vote-counting process, the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned, leading to the suspension of provisional results and confusion over the reported vote tallies. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem pointed to failures in data transmission as the root cause of the issue, resulting in some candidates receiving incorrect vote counts. This incident generated skepticism regarding the election results, particularly among political figures like Sitiveni Rabuka, then-leader of the People’s Alliance party.

Mataiciwa has repeatedly highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive report on this embarrassing incident, stating, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” She has also raised logistical concerns, such as the storage of ballot boxes, which need to be addressed as the FEO prepares for future electoral processes.

Minister Turaga, during a recent forum on cybercrime, acknowledged the complexity of ensuring electoral integrity and confirmed that discussions with the Electoral Commission regarding the investigation are ongoing and the report remains under review.

While the delays in addressing these issues are understandably frustrating for many stakeholders, this situation signifies an opportunity for meaningful reforms within Fiji’s electoral framework. The ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability by government officials provides a glimmer of hope. As stakeholders await further clarity, it is essential to stay optimistic that this commitment will translate into significant improvements, ultimately ensuring that future elections uphold the integrity and fairness that are vital to a robust democracy.

In summary, the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, but the continued dialogue between officials offers hope for restoring public confidence and preventing similar issues in the future. It is crucial for the government to prioritize transparency and accountability as they navigate these challenges, reinforcing the foundation of trust essential for democratic processes in Fiji.