Cape Town: The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Chief Executive Officer, Sy Mamabolo, has underscored the need for a responsible and inclusive approach to adopting new voting technologies. The CEO was delivering remarks at the e-Voting Conference in Cape Town on Monday. The IEC is hosting a groundbreaking national dialogue on the future of voting in South Africa from 10 – 12 March 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
According to South African Government News Agency, this three-day conference will launch South Africa’s first Green Paper on e-Voting, bringing together voices from across society to shape how South Africans might vote in future elections. Mamabolo emphasized the importance of acknowledging the digital divide in the country, pointing out that while digitalization is growing, access to broadband connectivity remains limited in rural areas.
The conference aims to shape public policy on e-voting during a time when South Africa is experiencing digital transformation across various sectors. The Vision 2030 roadmap emphasizes incorporating technology into business, education, and governance, supported by advancements in the country’s digital infrastructure.
Mamabolo highlighted global and African experiences with e-voting, noting that countries such as Estonia, Switzerland, Brazil, and India have implemented or tested such systems. However, he acknowledged that challenges like security concerns and affordability have delayed widespread adoption in many regions, including Africa.
Addressing security concerns and digital divide, Mamabolo stressed the importance of building resilient and secure systems to protect electronic voting processes from cyber threats. He also emphasized the need to address the digital divide to ensure equal access for all South Africans, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
The IEC has already integrated technology into its operations through initiatives like an online voter registration system, allowing citizens to register or update their details remotely. Mamabolo believes public engagement is crucial for ensuring transparency and acceptance of any transition to e-voting, encouraging national conversations and debates on the topic.
Mamabolo noted that the IEC has been considering e-voting since 2013, conducting investigations into global experiences and exploring issues such as technology, costs, security, public trust, and policy options. The commission has compiled a Discussion Document based on its 2023 research study, identifying the need for thorough public dialogue on e-voting’s feasibility and potential benefits.
Looking ahead, the IEC has not yet decided whether to propose e-voting to Parliament but plans to lead comprehensive discussions on its feasibility. Nationwide workshops and public consultations will gather insights from citizens and stakeholders, with feedback used to refine the Discussion Document, potentially informing a National Green Paper on e-voting. South Africans are encouraged to participate in the conversation through various platforms.