IEC re-starts conversation on feasibility of introducing electronic voting in SA

CAPE TOWN - The Electoral Commission (IEC) has re-started the conversation on the feasibility and sustainability of introducing electronic voting in South Africa, having first initiated the discussion back in 2013.
 
Chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, said that the occasion presented a watershed moment for electoral democracy.
 
However, as the commission seeks to embrace the digital revolution, Mamabolo said the discussion needed to be mindful that portions of the population were digitally illiterate, while broadband accessibility was also limited in outlying areas.
 
Over the next three days, the Electronic Voting Conference will be considering how democracy can be strengthened through the use of technology as well as efficiencies it can provide in the electoral system.
 
Already, the commission has introduced online voter registration and allowing voters to amend their personal details remotely.
 
Commission chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said that while South Africa could not be left behind in the digital revolution, there were careful considerations that must be made that suit the South African environment.
 
"Ours is not a copy and paste exercise. Ours is to look what would be beneficial for our own territory, not just for the sake of technology."
 
Mamabolo said the feasibility discussion must also consider South Africa's socioeconomic position.
 
"That’s why our discussions here must be comprehensive, aiming to address all blind spots and ultimately provide fit-for-purpose solutions for South Africa."
 
This week's discussions are ultimately set to lead to a green paper on e-voting to guide a parliamentary decision on whether to make the transition.