#SAElections2019: Why SA is not ready for electronic voting?

The Electoral Commission of South Africa is facing a significant challenge in implementing electronic voting due to various complexities in the current electoral system. With 9.8 million eligible voters not registering to vote, there is growing pressure to modernize the voting process. However, according to Janet Love, Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, there are several key hurdles that need to be addressed before electronic voting can be introduced. One of the main obstacles to electronic voting is the requirement for voters to have a valid ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs. While registration activities can be done online, the initial validation of citizenship and the right to vote must be done in person. This poses a challenge for remote and disenfranchised communities who may struggle to access the necessary documentation. Another issue is the alignment of voter registration with the physical location where individuals cast their votes. For provincial and local government elections, voters must be in the correct geographic area to ensure their vote is counted. While technology such as the ZIPSIP machine is currently used to verify voter details at polling stations, there are plans to upgrade this technology to leverage GPS and mapping capabilities for a more efficient process. Despite these advancements, the physical ballot paper remains a crucial component of the voting process in South Africa. The Electoral Commission has not yet found a suitable electronic alternative that guarantees the security and accuracy of the voting process. While there are potential solutions being explored, such as electronic voting machines, the Commission is cautious about implementing unproven technologies that could compromise the integrity of the elections. In conclusion, while there is a push towards modernizing the voting system in South Africa, the Electoral Commission faces significant challenges in transitioning to electronic voting. The need for a secure and accessible voting process that upholds the integrity of elections remains a top priority. As technology continues to evolve, the Commission will need to carefully assess and adapt to ensure that electronic voting can be successfully implemented in the future.