The Coalition Government’s promise to investigate the significant glitch that disrupted the 2022 General Election in Fiji remains unfulfilled nearly two years later, causing frustration among citizens. Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has highlighted that despite preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections, there are still no clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding how to address the issue.
The glitch, which occurred on December 14, 2022, involved a malfunction of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app during the crucial vote-counting process. This led to a suspension of provisional results and confusion regarding vote tallies, as former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem stated that issues with data transmission caused incorrect vote counts for some candidates. This event significantly undermined public confidence in the election outcome, prompting skepticism from political figures, notably Sitiveni Rabuka of the People’s Alliance.
Mataiciwa has consistently urged the need for a detailed report on the incident, underscoring, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” She also raised concerns regarding logistical issues, such as the proper storage of ballot boxes as preparations for future elections progress.
In a recent forum on cybercrime, Minister Turaga acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation and stated that discussions with the Electoral Commission are still active, though the report is under review. This highlights the complexities involved in maintaining electoral integrity and the importance of ensuring transparency in governance.
While the delays in addressing these issues are understandably disconcerting, they present an opportunity for comprehensive reforms that could strengthen Fiji’s electoral framework. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability can inspire hope for enhanced integrity and reliability in future elections. Continued dialogue among government officials and stakeholders may pave the way for significant improvements, ultimately restoring public faith in Fiji’s electoral system and reinforcing the democratic process.
In summary, while the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, the focus on transparency and accountability from government officials suggests that positive developments may arise, leading to robust electoral practices in Fiji moving forward.
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