The feasibility of electronic voting technologies in Africa: Selected case examples

Kealeboga J Maphunye

doi:10.4102/td.v15i1.621

Abstract

The use of electronic voting technologies (EVTs) presents hurdles to election management bodies (EMBs) and other election stakeholders in Africa. The constitutionality and feasibility of such technologies provoke several questions that are tackled in this article. A key question is whether voting technologies such as electronic voting machines (EVMs) comply with national election legislation. The article’s methodology includes a review of the literature, official reports and policy documents, media and other articles, including public pronouncements on such technologies in Africa’s elections. These are supplemented by case examples of interviewees from selected African countries, including Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana. Its main contention is that African countries should evaluate the constitutionality and legitimacy of EVTs before their use. Finally, it will conclude that any use of voting technologies that does not meet constitutional and legal obligations will render the outcome of elections thereof flawed or dogged by irregularities, with questionable legitimacy, as seen recently in a few African countries.

Highlights

According to one scholar: Few, if any, developments in recent decades have more profoundly transformed politics and civil society than the emergence of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs)
There seems to be empathy and optimism regarding the use of electronic voting technologies (EVTs) in Africa, but there are worrisome constitutional, legal and policy issues that must be considered before the election management bodies (EMBs) can implement electionrelated technologies, especially electronic voting machines (EVMs)
Even in countries with general optimism regarding the use of such technologies, such as South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, there is some caution or reluctance on the full-scale use of such technologies

Summary

Introduction

According to one scholar: Few, if any, developments in recent decades have more profoundly transformed politics and civil society than the emergence of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs). These research questions sought to address the following issues: whether EVTs were constitutional and legal, feasible and legitimate; what impedes their use to improve Africa’s elections; and what the main gaps were for EMBs in the use of EVTs in the selected countries These three theories were used to offer a conceptual and theoretical framework and not tested or presented for theory testing or development. Given the nature of this (qualitative) study, the extent of applicability of these variables could not be quantified Overall, this data suggest that electronic voting is a complex issue in many African countries, certain trends are discernible towards general preference to the use of ICT to enhance elections. Another respondent from this country lamented the ‘high illiteracy levels among the majority of the population which hinder ICT use in Botswana’ (Respondent from Botswana (7), pers. comm., 16 July 2017)

Limitations of the study

Conclusion

Findings

Data availability statement