The Coalition Government’s commitment to investigate the problematic ‘glitch’ that occurred during the 2022 General Election in Fiji remains unfulfilled, leaving many citizens concerned more than two years later. Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, has stated that, despite ongoing preparations for the 2026 elections, no clear directive has been provided by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding the handling of this issue.

The glitch arose on December 14, 2022, when the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) app malfunctioned during vote counting, leading to a significant suspension of provisional results. Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, explained that this incident resulted from unsuccessful data transmission attempts, causing erroneous vote counts for some candidates. This glitch prompted distrust from then-leader of the People’s Alliance, Sitiveni Rabuka, regarding the election results.

Mataiciwa has consistently highlighted the necessity of a thorough report on this incident. “Two years have passed since the elections, and many stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, want updates on this matter,” she noted, emphasizing the urgency of clarity regarding the situation.

Adding to the discourse on electoral integrity, Justice Minister Turaga recently acknowledged the investigation’s ongoing status at a forum on cybercrime and electronic evidence. He noted that discussions with the Electoral Commission are progressing, but the report remains under review, impacted by new developments. This continuing dialogue illustrates a dedication to transparency in governance, even amid procedural delays.

Fiji’s 2022 General Election saw a voter turnout of 68.3 percent, with 473,910 individuals casting votes among various political contenders. The investigating authorities must prioritize addressing these electoral issues to restore public trust and integrity in the democratic process.

In conclusion, while the delays in the investigation into the electoral glitch are concerning, the active engagement of government officials and the Electoral Commission promotes hope for eventual clarity and resolution. It is essential to remain patient as thorough investigations are crucial not just for accountability but for strengthening the electoral framework in Fiji going forward.