E-voting promises to transform people’s participation in democracy, making voting more accessible and efficient. Drawing on real-world experiences from various countries that have implemented electronic voting systems, the South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) hosted a three-day conference to examine what this technology could mean for the country’s unique context and needs.
RIA Research Fellow Scott Timcke, who works on AI, democracy and election integrity, attended the conference from 10-12 March 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. In this article, Timcke reflects on the engagement and shares fascinating insights into South Africa’s potential electoral future.
The conference opened with a compelling address from IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya introducing the Policy Discussion Document: Exploring the Implementation of Electronic Voting in South Africa, followed by Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, setting the context for e-voting considerations in South Africa: “As much as the prospects for experiment with e-voting systems and technologies can be exciting, we must also approach it with open minds and a sense of responsibility. At the forefront of these challenges are questions of security and trust.”
Mamabolo underscored the IEC’s commitment to delivering uncompromised elections with utmost integrity, impartiality, and accountability: “In an era where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, ensuring the safety and security of an electronic voting system is paramount. We must build systems that are resilient, secure, and able to withstand the threats of today and the future.”
He also highlighted the issue of digital inclusion by addressing issues of access to reliable, affordable internet and lagging tech literacy,, specifically in rural areas.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber provided the government’s perspective, emphasising the need for South Africa to embrace digitisation to move the country forward: “Digital transformation requires more than just technology. It requires a deep re-examination of all existing processes to ensure that the introduction of technology becomes a catalyst that transforms the process itself. There is only one way to do this: by keeping the end-user in mind. The digital transformation of government is not an end in and of itself.”
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) presented their e-Voting Policy Discussion Document. Their presentations covered everything from theoretical foundations to practical implementation challenges. Day two brought valuable international perspectives, with Election Management Bodies from Estonia, Namibia and the Congo offering a range of considerations from successful implementation to cautionary tales of abandoned systems. Later, the CSIR addressed one primary concern in the room: does South Africa have the necessary connectivity backbone to support nationwide electronic voting? Ensuring that the digital divide does not lead to two different kinds of electoral experiences is essential. RIA’s Dr. Guy Berger spoke about what ought to be included in a risk matrix for e-voting.
The third day’s exhibition showcased various e-voting technologies from manufacturers worldwide. I was impressed by the range of vendors’ solutions on display.
While questions remain about costs, security vulnerabilities, and accessibility for all South Africans regardless of technical literacy or geographic location, the conference made clear that these concerns are being taken seriously. This thorough, evidence-based approach to policy development demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that any potential adoption of e-voting enhances South Africa’s electoral process. Whether South Africa ultimately adopts e-voting or not, this deliberative process should reassure citizens about the future of our electoral systems.
Beyond the technical discussions, this conference represented something important: a democracy maturing through a thoughtful examination of how it conducts its most fundamental process – the vote itself.
