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The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that electronic voting will not be implemented in the forthcoming local government elections, citing technological infrastructure limitations and the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
During a recent e-voting conference, the IEC emphasized that while digital voting remains a long-term goal, the current environment is not conducive to its adoption. The commission highlighted the necessity for a reliable technological framework and robust cybersecurity measures before transitioning from traditional paper-based systems.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo stated that assumptions about the readiness for electronic voting are premature, and the commission is focused on ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the upcoming elections through established methods.
The IEC has initiated consultations to explore the possibility of introducing electronic voting in the future, inviting public participation in shaping the direction of electoral reforms. However, for the upcoming elections, the commission is committed to upholding the current voting procedures to ensure transparency and trust in the democratic process.
