The Coalition Government of Fiji is facing criticism for its unfulfilled promise to investigate a “glitch” that impacted the 2022 General Election, leaving many citizens without answers nearly two years after the incident. Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has expressed her concern about the lack of clear directives from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga as preparations for the 2026 elections progress.

The glitch, which occurred on December 14, 2022, involved a malfunction of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app during the counting of votes. This resulted in the suspension of provisional results and confusion surrounding vote tallies. Former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem had indicated that the issue stemmed from failed data transmission attempts, leading to incorrect vote counts for certain candidates. This situation raised significant concerns among political figures, especially from Sitiveni Rabuka, the then-leader of the People’s Alliance party, who questioned the legitimacy of the election results.

Mataiciwa has consistently highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive report on the glitch, noting, “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter.” Furthermore, she brought attention to additional logistical challenges the FEO faces, particularly regarding the storage of ballot boxes as they prepare for the next elections.

Minister Turaga recently acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation, confirming that discussions with the Electoral Commission are still in progress and that the report is under review. This acknowledgment underscores the complexities surrounding the pursuit of electoral integrity and the need for transparency in governance.

Despite the frustrations associated with the investigation’s delays, there is potential for meaningful reforms within Fiji’s electoral system. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability could lead to significant improvements in electoral processes, enhancing public trust in future elections.

In summary, although the investigation into the 2022 election glitch remains unresolved, the continued dialogue among government officials brings hope for future advancements in Fiji’s electoral framework. This situation serves as an important reminder of the critical necessity to maintain integrity and transparency in democratic practices, ultimately fostering a stronger electoral process in Fiji moving forward.