Electoral System Research Articles

Toponym resolution leveraging lightweight and open-source large language models and geo-knowledge

Toponym resolution is crucial for extracting geographic information from natural language texts, such as social media posts and news articles. Despite the advancements in current methods, including state-of-the-art deep learning solutions like GENRE and a sophisticated voting system that integrates seven individual methods, further enhancing their accuracy is essential. To achieve this goal, we propose a novel method that combines lightweight and open-source large language models and geo-knowledge. Specifically, we first fine-tune Mistral (7B), Baichuan2 (7B), Llama2 (7B & 13B), and Falcon (7B) to estimate toponyms’ unambiguous reference (e.g., city, state, country) given their contexts. Subsequently, we correct inaccuracies in generated references and determine their geo-coordinates via sequentially querying GeoNames, Nominatim, and ArcGIS geocoders until a successful geocoding result is achieved. Our methods demonstrate enhanced performance compared to 20 existing methods, as evidenced across seven challenging datasets including 83,365 toponyms worldwide, with the Mistral-based method leading, followed by Baichuan2, Llama2, and Falcon-based methods. Specifically, the Mistral-based method achieves an Accuracy@161km of 0.91, surpassing GENRE, the best individual method, by 17% and the seven-methods composite voting system by 7%. Moreover, our methods are computationally efficient, operable on one general GPU, have modest memory requirements (14 GB for 7B models and 27 GB for 13B models), and exceed both GENRE and the voting system in inferring speed.

Winners always cheat? Regional identity and the myth of a rigged 2022 Philippine presidential election

This article draws its analysis from the results of an assessment conducted in October 2022 of the May 2022 presidential election. The 2022 presidential election in the Philippines is an historical turning point not only for marking the return of the Marcos family to the country's highest office but also due to the initial claim of electoral fraud that raised concerns about the integrity of automated polling in the country. In the context of the May 2022 election, our findings do not identify any clear demographic pattern linked to a lack of confidence or skepticism regarding the credibility of the election results. Instead, compelling evidence indicates that the belief in a rigged election is limited to a specific subset of voters aligned with the geographical support base of a defeated presidential candidate. The findings contribute to nuancing electoral dynamics in the Philippines in a number of ways. First, they dispel the myth of an impaired election floated by media and other international watchdogs immediately after the election. Second, the suggest that as citizens navigate their democratic responsibilities, their regional identity becomes a lens through which the fairness, transparency, and legitimacy of the electoral system are ultimately contested.

Deepfake Cases in the 2024 Lok Sabha Election: Impact and Implications for Democracy

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India have been significantly impacted by the pervasive use of deepfake technology, raising critical concerns about its implications for democracy. This article delves into specific instances of deepfake utilization during the election, exploring their effects on voter behavior and broader democratic processes. It highlights how deepfakes have been employed to spread misinformation, manipulate voter perceptions, and discredit political opponents, thereby undermining trust in the electoral system. The response from regulatory bodies, including the Election Commission of India and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, is examined, showcasing efforts to mitigate these threats. Furthermore, the article discusses the urgent need for enhanced regulatory measures and public awareness to combat the growing menace of AI-driven misinformation. The findings underscore the profound challenges that deepfake technology poses to the integrity of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative strategies to protect democratic values in the digital age.

A Video Dual-Domain Blind Watermarking Algorithm Based on Hadamard Transform

Addressing the compatibility challenges surrounding the robustness and reversibility of existing video watermarking techniques, this study introduces a novel video dual-domain blind watermarking algorithm leveraging the Hadamard transform. Specifically tailored for H.264 video copyright protection, the algorithm initially organizes video frames and identifies key frames for watermark embedding. Prior to embedding, the robust watermark undergoes coding preprocessing to optimize its integration. Subsequently, a 4×4 block is expanded based on the selected embedding position within the frame, followed by the application of the Hadamard transform to the enlarged block. The 1-bit robust watermark information is then embedded via the coefficient pair located in the first row of the Hadamard coefficient matrix corresponding to the expanded block. Additionally, a reversible watermark, designed to mitigate the distortions introduced during robust embedding, is generated and embedded into the remaining coefficients of the coefficient matrix using reversible embedding techniques. During watermark extraction, the dual-domain watermark can be retrieved exclusively through reversible extraction methodologies by analyzing the size relationship of coefficient pairs, eliminating the need for access to the original video data. To bolster the algorithm’s robustness, a majority-subordinate voting system is devised and implemented, effectively enhancing its resilience. Experimental findings demonstrate that, compared to similar approaches, this algorithm not only enhances the reversibility of video restoration but also exhibits superior robustness and meets the requirements for imperceptibility.

How Does the Comprehensive Social Public Participation Affect Perceptions of Social Justice?

This study reveals the complex effects of the government service perception and different types of the comprehensive social public participation on the comprehensive perception of social justice and its sub-dimensions through OLS regression. Specifically, we find that the government service perception exhibits extremely significant and robust positive effects in all models. At the same time, the impact of different types of the comprehensive social public participation on perceptions of social equity shows significant variability. Rights advocacy participation demonstrates a negative effect in the model of the sense of legal and opportunity equality. This finding that suggests we need to further examine and optimize the advocacy mechanisms. The negative role of communication engagement in all sub-dimension models reveals the inadequacy of information transfer and communication mechanisms in building social trust. In contrast, the positive effect of community participation in the model of the sense of legal and opportunity equality highlights the positive role of communities in promoting social fairness, while the overall positive effect of electoral participation, although weakly significant in some sub-dimensions, suggests the potential value of the electoral system in enhancing the sense of social fairness.

Speech targeting and constituency representation in open-list electoral systems

This study investigates the localistic behavior of legislators elected under open-list proportional representation (OLPR), focusing on the impacts of district magnitude, intra-party competition, electorate size, and the presence of a national tier. We examine the Ecuadorian case, where institutional reformers implemented a national tier to offset the parochial tendencies of lower-tier provincial legislators yet retained OLPR for both tiers. Our study, which analyzes a 12-year dataset of congressional speeches, challenges the expectation that national-tier members are less localistic than their provincial counterparts and shows that electoral incentives drive legislators’ geographical focus. Contrary to conventional expectations, we find no evidence that increased intra-party competition is associated with more localistic behavior. However, there is consistent support for the hypothesis that smaller electoral constituencies amplify localistic behavior.

Legal Barriers to Women's Access to Elected Parliamentary Seats in Light of 30 Years of Multiparty Democracy in Tanzania

Abstract The year 2022 marked 30 years since Tanzania re-adopted multiparty democracy in 1992. The number of women parliamentarians has increased from 16 per cent after the multiparty elections in 1995 to 37.4 per cent after the 2020 elections. However, a significant share of women parliamentarians emanates from the special seats system, while only a small share of women hold directly elected seats. For example, in 2023, while women account for 37.4 per cent of the Parliament, only 9.8 per cent were elected from constituencies. This article studies the legal challenges facing women's access to directly elected parliamentary seats in light of 30 years of multiparty democracy in Tanzania. It finds that the legal gaps related to candidacy age, political affiliation, the applicable electoral system, governance of political parties, violence against women in political and public life, campaign financing and challenges related to the implementation of the special seats system hinder women's access to elected parliamentary seats.

Beyond the party push: Gender differences in voters’ persuasion

Despite ongoing efforts to bridge gender disparities, women continue to be underrepresented in political spheres. This paper proposes a novel explanation for the female disadvantage in electoral success, focusing on politicians’ capacity to broaden their electoral base and appeal to voters from opposing parties. Drawing on Swiss elections, this paper leverages various aspects of the electoral system. In Switzerland, the electoral process is characterized by open lists, allowing voters to select candidates within their preferred party, and cross-voting, enabling them to choose candidates from other party lists. Additionally, electoral registers provide data on the number of preference votes garnered by each candidate, categorized by the voter’s preferred party. The analysis reveals that individual preference votes play a pivotal role in driving gender disparities in candidates’ electoral achievements. While the gender gap in preferences expressed by supporters of a particular party is less robust, male politicians outperform their female counterparts significantly in collecting preference votes through cross-voting. This implies that male politicians are more skilled at persuading voters from rival parties. These findings, motivated by various underlying mechanisms, carry considerable policy implications concerning the approach to addressing gender inequalities in politics.

The impact of monitoring on politicians’ attendance: Evidence from the Swiss Upper House

In 2014, the Swiss Upper House switched from voting by show of hands to an electronic voting system, where individual decisions on specific exogenously defined vote types are published automatically. We leverage this update in monitoring technology for select votes to identify the impact of monitoring on politicians’ attendance within a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences methodology. Relying on video recordings of all sessions of the 49th Upper House legislature (2011–2015), we determine pre- and post-reform attendance rates during all votes and compare the change in attendance between votes affected and unaffected by the reform. Monitoring has a positive and significant effect on attendance particularly among legislators running for reelection, as compared to those retiring at the end of the term.

Probabilities and seat gains of minor parties in the 2019 municipal legislative election in Surabaya City, Indonesia

This study examines the relationship between seat acquisition probabilities and the acquisition of minor party seats in the 2019 Surabaya City DPRD election. This research is crucial because theoretically the proportional representation electoral system quota/allocation of electoral district seats (dapil) has the probability to be accessed by all parties participating in the election, but in fact in the 2019 Surabaya City DPRD election the quota/allocation of seats was dominated by large parties. This research method is library research with the analysis technique using the Pearson Product Moment statistical test. According to the research results, first, the relationship between seat acquisition probability and minor party seat acquisition is negative and insignificant. The results of the research hypothesis test show rcount (-0.753) < rtable (0.997). Second, the relationship between these two variables controlled by the threshold variable is significantly positive. The research hypothesis test result is rcount (0.000) > rtable (0.997). Based on this research: (1) the electoral system of proportional representation quota/allocation of electoral district seats is not accessible to all minor parties participating in the election; (2) the size of electoral districts with seat quotas in the medium-large criteria does not have a significant positive effect on the acquisition of seats of parties participating in the election; (3) the threshold simultaneously affects the significant positive relationship between the size of the medium-large quota electoral districts and the acquisition of seats of parties participating in the election; and (4) the acquisition of party votes below the lower threshold still has the probability to get the remaining seats.

E-Voting in India: A Secure, Transparent, and Cost-Efficient Future Through Blockchain and Aadhaar Integration

This paper explores the potential for e-voting in India, focusing on the challenges of the current electoral system and how the integration of blockchain technology and Aadhaar can provide secure, transparent, and cost-efficient solutions. Drawing on global examples from countries like Estonia, Switzerland, and Brazil, the paper presents a case for India’s transition to e-voting, supported by data analysis of costs, voter turnout, environmental impact, and security concerns. It also proposes an implementation strategy, including cybersecurity measures, pilot programs, and legislative reforms required to bring e-voting to life in India.

The Impact of the 2022 Electoral Reform on the Credibility of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Over the years, Nigeria has faced serious election fraud, leading many Nigerians to lose confidence in the electoral process. In 2022, the new Electoral Act was introduced, creating more opportunities for the integration of technologies like BVAS and IREV to improve voter accreditation, result transmission, and real-time election viewership for all stakeholders. This development was welcomed by many Nigerians who hoped the Act would restore voter confidence in the country. However, the outcome of the elections, particularly the presidential elections, indicated that the Act failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians. This study therefore examined the Electoral Act 2022 and the election credibility of the 2023 elections. It explored why the Act failed to mitigate insecurity and ensure effective transmission and viewing of election results, which are key to free and fair elections. Using a mixed research approach to data collection and analysis, the study drew on direct responses from voters and stakeholders, scholarly literature, media reports, and findings from election observer groups. The results indicate that while the Act provides a legal framework for stronger elections in Nigeria, it has not sufficiently ensured a free and fair election in the presidential polls. The study concludes that the Act alone cannot guarantee transparent elections due to poor implementation by stakeholders and certain grey areas in the Act that were exploited for election manipulation. The researcher recommends revisiting or strengthening these grey areas to prevent manipulation by elites and ensuring effective implementation by all stakeholders. Specifically, the study suggests the integration of technological advancements, such as blockchain for secure voting, electronic voting systems to enhance accessibility, geospatial technology for better logistics management, and secure mobile applications for real-time results transmission, to further bolster election credibility and transparency in Nigeria.

Unveiling the Apathy: Understanding the Causes of Student Disengagement in Student Governance

This study delved into the causes of student disengagement in any form of student-based governance of the University of Cebu College of Arts and Sciences Department's Student Body Organization (CAS-SBO) during the academic year 2023-2024. A descriptive phenomenological research design was employed, exploring participants' experiences in student governance, how these experiences influence their lack of total disengagement and the strategies that could revitalize their engagement and active participation in the said area. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with twelve students selected via linear snowball sampling, focusing on those with prior governance experience who did not participate in recent CAS-SBO activities. Thematic content analysis revealed nine emergent themes: (1) Lack of Connection, Inequality in Representation, and Faculty Intervention as essential experiences in student governance; (2) Student Unfamiliarity, Feeling Unrepresented, and Unmet Expectations as reasons for disengagement; and (3) Inclusive Activities, Addressing Electoral Disparity, and Empowered Leadership as potential strategies to increase engagement. Based on these findings, the study recommends regular CAS-SBO general assemblies, teambuilding exercises, leadership seminars, and the election of representatives for each degree program to foster more vital student involvement and improve representation. The study also suggests future research topics, including electoral system reforms and former CAS-SBO presidents' experiences.

Modernizing Canada's Electoral System: What Drove the Creation of the National Register of Electors?

Modernizing Canada's Electoral System: What Drove the Creation of the National Register of Electors?

Landscape of the metaplasmidome of deep-sea hydrothermal vents located at Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridges in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea: ecological insights from comparative analysis of plasmid identification tools.

Plasmids are one of the key drivers of microbial adaptation and evolution. However, their diversity and role in adaptation, especially in extreme environments, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to identify, characterize, and compare plasmid sequences originating from samples collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents located in Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridges. To achieve this, we employed, and benchmarked three recently developed plasmid identification tools-PlasX, GeNomad, and PLASMe-on metagenomic data from this unique ecosystem. To date, this is the first direct comparison of these computational methods in the context of data from extreme environments. Upon recovery of plasmid contigs, we performed a multiapproach analysis, focusing on identifying taxonomic and functional biases within datasets originating from each tool. Next, we implemented a majority voting system to identify high-confidence plasmid contigs, enhancing the reliability of our findings. By analysing the consensus plasmid sequences, we gained insights into their diversity, ecological roles, and adaptive significance. Within the high-confidence sequences, we identified a high abundance of Pseudomonadota and Campylobacterota, as well as multiple toxin-antitoxin systems. Our findings ensure a deeper understanding of how plasmids contribute to shaping microbial communities living under extreme conditions of hydrothermal vents, potentially uncovering novel adaptive mechanisms.

ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTIONAL CONDITIONS OF ELECTIONS IN RUSSIA

The article examines the evolution of the institutional framework of the electoral process in Russia since the early 1990s. The main changes in the system of elections of deputies of the State Duma, governors and municipal authorities, as well as in the field of party building, are analyzed. The article concludes that in recent years there has been a tendency in Russia to liberalize electoral legislation and increase the role of political parties in the electoral process.

Flexible representative democracy

AbstractWe introduce Flexible Representative Democracy (FRD), a novel hybrid of Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy in which voters can alter the issue-dependent weights of a set of elected representatives. In line with the literature on Interactive Democracy, our model allows the voters to actively determine the degree to which the system is direct versus representative. However, unlike Liquid Democracy, Flexible Representative Democracy uses strictly non-transitive delegations, making delegation cycles impossible, and maintains a fixed set of accountable, elected representatives. We present Flexible Representative Democracy and analyze it using a computational approach with issues that are binary and symmetric. We compare the outcomes of various voting systems using Direct Democracy with majority voting as an ideal baseline. First, we demonstrate the shortcomings of Representative Democracy in our model. We provide NP-Hardness results for electing an ideal set of representatives, discuss pathologies, and demonstrate empirically that common multi-winner election rules for selecting representatives do not perform well in expectation. To analyze the effects of adding delegation to representative voting systems, we begin by providing theoretical results on how issue-specific delegations determine outcomes. Finally, we provide empirical results comparing the outcomes of various voting systems: Representative Democracy, Proxy Voting, and FRD with issue-specific delegations. Our results show that variants of Proxy Voting yield no discernible benefit over unweighted representatives and reveal the potential for Flexible Representative Democracy to improve outcomes as voter participation increases.

Running toward rankings: Ranked choice voting's impact on candidate entry and descriptive representation

AbstractDoes the implementation of a ranked choice voting (RCV) system increase the number, diversity, and quality of candidates competing in local elections? Using original data from 273 cities across three decades and employing a preregistered difference‐in‐differences design with matching, I find that the size of the candidate pool increases following implementation. However, this effect dissipates in later election cycles, indicating that RCV has no long‐term effect on candidate entry. Indeed, the short‐term increase in the candidate pool mostly reflects increased entry by low‐quality candidates with little chance of winning. Additionally, I find that RCV has no effect on the proportion of female and non‐white candidates running for office. These results call into question several purported benefits of RCV and suggest that RCV, by itself, might not be sufficient to influence candidate entry at the local level.

Implementing a Three-Step Security Protocol for Advanced Online Election Systems: A Novel Approach

Organization of voting is the strength of character of all equalitarianism and system. Our country utilize an offline voting systems that are incompetent and disorganized by cause of the demand for abundant man power, and more refinement time for announcement outcome. Our Online Voting System aims at minimizing the division between traditional voting methods by facilitating and updating them. Our system makes it possible for voters to vote their favorable candidates from home through safe and stable online voting. By integrating India's Aadhaar card system and implementing OTPs (One Time Passwords) for better security, ensure a resilient and trustworthy voting process with full integrity. Once they login, voters are led through a strict authentication rules that checks for the genuineness of their ID cards before allowing them to continue. This comprehensive verification mechanism provides that only individuals who meet the requirements are able to participate thereby considerably decreasing the chance for electoral fraud. In addition to that, we also ensure that the system gives space to vote in secret and the votes are protected using strong cryptography measures. Our platform aims at fulfilling this object by leveraging advanced technologies. In this regard, we work towards a better and more egalitarian and democratic electoral system.

Introducing the Democratic Electoral Systems data, 1919-1945

This data note introduces an update to the widely-used Democratic Electoral Systems (DES) data that encompasses the period from 1919 to 1945. The data include 243 legislative lower house and presidential elections in 34 interwar democracies. Information on these elections falls into four categories: first and foremost, DES contains variables that capture the institutional rules that define how elections are organized. Second, the data captures the consequences of electoral rules in the form of summary statistics of electoral outcomes. Third, we include democracy classifications for four major democracy datasets so that users can choose their preferred democracy definition when working with the data. Finally, the DES dataset contains multiple identification variables that allow linking the DES data to a wide variety of other datasets. This update to the DES data is fully compatible with prior releases for the post-war period 1–3 .