Exploring the Readiness for Electronic Voting (E-Voting) In Emerging Economies

Abstract

There has been a lot of research on e-voting recently. Most studies assume that the implementation of e-voting is not merely about technology but also relates to several critical factors, such as the readiness of human resources and infrastructure, public trust, and others. This study explored the readiness for e-voting in emerging economies through a case study of Tanzania as one of emerging economies in East Africa. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the challenges of the current voting system, establish the e-voting readiness status in Tanzania, and identify the key areas that need to be addressed to ensure e-voting readiness in Tanzania. This research adopted an inductive approach. Data was collected from 196 respondents, including the majority of INEC staff and other election stakeholders. Probability and non-probability sampling were used to obtain the respondents. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Through this analysis, frequency and percentages were employed to present the obtained results. The results show that the current voting system is faced with several challenges, such as poor quality of ballot papers, fewer ballot papers than required and voters list display, limited safety, lack of trust, threat and insecurity vulnerability, waiting time in queue or line, misallocation of names in different polling stations, and missing names in the list and loss of voter ID. Also, the results showed that most respondents had never heard of the e-voting system. The results showed that most respondents wished the e-voting system would be adopted in Tanzania. The reasons for adopting e-voting were, among others, to improve voters' trust, ease voting procedures, reduce transportation costs on election materials and equipment, save time, and reduce inconveniences. Moreover, e-voting was associated with reducing voting fraud; providing quick reports and easy publishing of results; ensuring security and confidentiality; as well as providing accuracy and expedience. The study recommends that the Independent National Election Commission of Tanzania communicate with the government and other stakeholders to identify the e-voting system's challenges. The government is advised to create the political will to adopt and apply the e-voting system. Lastly, the study recommends improving ICT infrastructure and making amendments to the law that will be consistent with establishing the required e-voting system.