Dialogue Fiji has raised alarm over the recent decision to discontinue the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) mobile application, describing it as a “regrettable and backward step” for election transparency and public access to reliable information. The organization regarded the app as one of the most innovative electoral tools in the Pacific, which provided citizens, researchers, and stakeholders with real-time results, historical election data, and an interactive D’Hondt seat allocation calculator.
Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, emphasized the app’s significance as an innovative model in election management and a beacon of progress in data transparency. He expressed his disappointment with the app’s removal, labeling it as one of the most regressive actions within Fiji’s electoral landscape. Lal underscored the app’s role in enhancing researchers’ and analysts’ capabilities to study electoral patterns through detailed data, which may now become inaccessible.
He cautioned against the potential fallout from eliminating the app, warning that the absence of an official source for live election results could pave the way for misinformation to spread during electoral periods. “Without a credible, authoritative source of live results, people will begin posting fabricated figures online, eroding trust in the electoral process,” Lal stressed, highlighting the vital need for accurate communication.
While acknowledging that the app faced technical difficulties on election night, Lal criticized the decision to eliminate it outright instead of focusing on addressing these issues. “Educate users, fix bugs, strengthen the platform — but don’t dismantle it,” he urged.
In response to these concerns, Dialogue Fiji has reached out to the Supervisor of Elections, urging a review of the decision to remove the app. The organization advocates for advancements in innovation and transparency to fortify public trust and engagement in the electoral process.
These concerns resonate with earlier remarks from political leaders and stakeholders, including Opposition Member Premila Kumar, who emphasized the app’s critical role in promoting democracy and trust through real-time updates. As Fiji gears up for its next electoral cycle, the loss of such innovative tools represents a significant challenge to establishing a transparent electoral environment and reducing the risks of misinformation. However, there remains optimism that by addressing the underlying issues and focusing on improvements, Fiji can develop a more robust electoral framework that reinforces public confidence in its democratic processes.