Framework for an E-Voting System Applicable in Developing Economies

Abstract

Information technology has pervaded virtually every facet of human life. Even in the delivery of governance, information technology has gradually found a place. One of its applications is the use of electronic voting, also known as e-voting, as opposed to the traditional manual method of voting. This form of voting, however, is not immune to challenges generally associated with voting. Two of these include guaranteeing voting access to all eligible voters, and providing necessary voting security. The challenge of accessibility is especially peculiar to developing countries where IT adoption is still relatively low. This paper proposes a framework for an e-voting system that would most benefit developing economies. It ensures availability of the system to only eligible voters and integrity of the voting process through its capacity to identify and prevent ineligible voters and multiple voting. To guarantee accessibility to all eligible voters, it supports both online and offline voting capabilities. Adopting electronic form of voting would provide a more robust, easier to use, and reliable system of voting, which, consequently, would contribute towards enhancing the delivery of democratic dividends.