Fiji’s Elections Chief Promises Error-Free Results Ahead of 2026

The Supervisor of Elections in Fiji, Ana Mataiciwa, has assured the public that the human errors that affected the 2022 election results will not recur. This statement comes on the heels of an investigation that identified discrepancies stemming from the manual transfer of data between different systems. Mataiciwa pointed out that the inaccuracies emerged when data was moved from the Results Management Information System into the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) Results application.

In light of these findings, the FEO is actively working to enhance the integrity of future elections. “We are implementing quality assurance mechanisms and improving the transparency of our systems,” Mataiciwa stated. Importantly, the FEO Results app, previously linked to the errors from the last election, will not be used in the upcoming 2026 General Election. Instead, a new media center will be established to ensure the precise dissemination of election results, promoting collaboration with stakeholders, especially media organizations, for sharing both unofficial and official results.

This initiative aligns with ongoing discussions around necessary reforms to enhance electoral processes following the inconsistencies in the last election, which had sparked doubts about the validity of the outcomes. Political observers and stakeholders have called for increased accountability to restore public confidence in the electoral procedure.

Mataiciwa’s commitment, alongside the efforts from the FEO, to implement quality control measures and promote a more transparent approach signifies a constructive trajectory toward bolstering electoral integrity in Fiji. Such efforts are vital as the nation approaches its next elections and demonstrates a strong commitment to uphold democratic principles.

While past issues still raise concerns, the proactive steps being taken signal a positive direction for re-establishing trust in the electoral system, laying the groundwork for a more dependable and transparent electoral process within Fiji’s democracy.