The Coalition Government of Fiji continues to face criticism for its unfulfilled promise to investigate the technical ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election, leaving many citizens without clear answers nearly two years later. Supervisor of Elections (SoE) Ana Mataiciwa has voiced frustration over the lack of guidance from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, especially as preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections are underway.

On December 14, 2022, a malfunction in the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app interfered with the vote-counting process, requiring the suspension of provisional results and leading to confusion regarding vote totals. Former SoE Mohammed Saneem identified data transmission failures as the cause of discrepancies in vote tallies, resulting in some candidates receiving inaccurate counts. These events led to open distrust regarding the election’s legitimacy, particularly voiced by Sitiveni Rabuka, the former leader of the People’s Alliance party.

Mataiciwa has consistently called for a detailed report on the glitch, highlighting the need for transparency as various stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, and the electorate—seek updates. She observed, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders want updates on this matter.” Additionally, she emphasized logistical issues, such as the proper storage of ballot boxes, which need to be addressed as the FEO readies for the next electoral cycle.

In recent discussions, Minister Turaga acknowledged the ongoing investigation, confirming that dialogues with the Electoral Commission are still in place, indicating that the comprehensive report is under review. This prolonged timeline reflects the intricate nature of ensuring electoral integrity and emphasizes the necessity of transparency in governance.

While the delays have understandably fostered frustration, this ongoing dialogue suggests an opportunity for reform within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability can lead to significant enhancements in electoral processes, ultimately restoring public trust in future elections. As discussions progress, there is hope that this situation will result in more robust electoral practices, reinforcing a foundation for democratic integrity in Fiji.

In summary, although the investigation into the 2022 glitch remains unresolved, continued engagement from officials offers optimism for improved electoral transparency and the potential to restore confidence in Fiji’s electoral processes.