The case for election technology
Abstract
Information technology permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Finally, after years of resistance, election technology is slowly helping the world’s democracies increase transparency, facilitate turnout and reduce the cost of running elections whilst increasing integrity and security. The current article analyses some of the longstanding arguments against the use of technology in the election process, and the responses made by experts, including the demonstrated benefits of well-designed election technology. An entire section on security is provided, as are references to some implementations around the world and to the Election Automation Maturity Model. The article also touches briefly on the tools of Internet and mobile voting.
Election Technology, Disputes, and Political Violence in Kenya
In Africa, many countries have adopted technology in the conduct of elections so as to improve efficiency and deter malpractice. However, electoral disputes and violence continue to recur even where elections involve use of technology. This article builds on a case study of Kenya to show the limitations of technology use in elections. We argue that use of election technology does not guarantee the credibility of elections; technology has become a ‘black box’, which competing parties exploit to either play victim or declare themselves winners. The paper concludes that election technology is the new frontier for fraud. The manner in which election technology is procured, deployed and utilized is not only technical but also political. Addressing this political problem is imperative to avoid political violence around elections.
The Politics of Switzerland: Continuity and Change in a Consensus Democracy
1. The development of the modern Swiss nation-state 2. Neutrality 3. Federalism 4. Direct democracy 5. The Swiss system of government 6. The party system 7. Interest associations and labour relations 8. The decision-making process 9. Economic policy: liberalization under constraints 10. Social policy: the Swiss welfare state 11. Foreign policy: Switzerland and the EU.