IEC: E-voting must be approached with caution

Experts and stakeholders gathered in Cape Town on Monday for a three-day conference to discuss the potential implementation of electronic voting in the country.

While some nations have adopted e-voting, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo has cautioned that African countries like Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have faced significant challenges that have slowed full adoption.

"Only a few countries have successfully adopted or experimented with e-voting systems for elections or referendums, "said Mamabolo.

"Countries like Estonia, Switzerland, Brazil, India, and several U.S. states are leading the way in e-voting technology."

However, some countries that experimented with e-voting have paused or abandoned their efforts due to various concerns, particularly around security.

"In Africa, several nations, including Namibia and the DRC, have tried e-voting systems. While Namibia initially attempted it, the project was later abandoned. Although these systems are still in development, they have not yet become widespread across the continent," Mamabolo explained.

Mamabolo attributed delays in e-voting implementation to security concerns and affordability issues.

As a result, many countries have focused on digitalising aspects of the voting process, such as registration and information access, rather than rolling out full-scale e-voting systems.

The IEC has committed to conducting nationwide public consultations, beginning with this conference, to gather input from South Africans before making any decisions.

Mamabolo emphasised that the process must balance security, transparency, and accessibility.

"While digitalisation is becoming a greater part of our daily lives, we must recognise that many areas of South Africa still have limited access to broadband connectivity, particularly in rural regions. It is essential that we don't overlook the significant number of South Africans who still lack access to technology," he said.

Despite these challenges, Mamabolo stressed the importance of embracing new technologies.

"Technology is driving innovation across many sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, and business. Digital tools are empowering individuals, organisations, and communities in ways we never imagined," he said.

Mamabolo acknowledged that e-voting must be approached with responsibility and caution.

"At the forefront of these challenges are questions of security and trust. We remain committed to our mandate to deliver uncompromised elections with utmost integrity, impartiality, and accountability.

“In an era where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, ensuring the safety and security of an electronic voting system is paramount. We must build systems that are resilient, secure, and able to withstand the threats of today and the future.

“Moreover, we must address the digital divide. As we indicated, South Africa is a country with varying levels of technological access. While urban areas may have reliable internet and a high rate of technological literacy, rural communities and impoverished areas still face significant barriers to digital inclusion," he said.

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