Case Study | I-Voting-Transforming University Elections with Civic Technology

I-Voting: Transforming University Elections with Civic Technology
Titus Kirui - I-Voting
Kirui elaborated that his organization, representing the private sector, engages in discussions about democracy, governance, and inclusion. In Africa, he noted that the use of phones and the internet has grown by 10%, necessitating a youth-friendly voting system that allows people to vote from anywhere.
He presented a compelling case for I-Voting, a digital voting system accessible via the web and SSD, which has been successfully used for seven years in Machakos University student elections. He emphasized the pervasiveness of technology among the youth and how intelligent voting can address key issues in electoral processes.
Traditional voting methods involve physical ballots and papers, which often present challenges and lack transparency in vote counting. In contrast, the introduction of online voting has significantly increased voter participation, reaching up to 85% of eligible voters. This technological approach has enhanced the appreciation of democratic practices and inclusive participation, with no registered cases of fraud or corruption in the electoral process.
Kirui noted that the 2022 elections saw a lower youth turnout compared to 2017, an issue that spans economic, social, and political realms. The introduction of intelligent voting (I-voting), aims to tackle these challenges by providing a secure online voting platform. The objectives of the I-voting initiative include promoting transformative democracy, implementing election reforms, and achieving zero fraud and corruption.
The methodology involved engaging students through various means such as data collection, review sessions, and training on using the I-Voting system. This approach was exemplified through a case study at Machakos University, where the I-Voting platform was deployed to tackle the outlined issues. The findings revealed that, until 2024, the I-voting system achieved high participation rates among students.
A significant number of students were influenced to engage in the electoral process, which enhanced the overall efficiency and inclusiveness of the elections. The system's successful implementation over seven years demonstrated its potential for smooth transitions.
During the Q&A session, Titus addressed various concerns. He assured that the voting system is secure and has not been infiltrated. For voters with disabilities, he detailed the accessibility features in place to ensure their votes are counted. He emphasized the stringent data protection measures and the system's ability to continue operating even if it experiences technical failures. The entire election process, from registration to voting, is conducted online. Titus highlighted the system's success with 20,000 students and its potential scalability for national elections. He acknowledged some technical complexities related to fraud allegations but reassured the audience about the measures in place to address them.
Participants were able to experience the application through a mini voting session and engage with the CEO, who clarified additional questions. Regarding the prevention of multiple votes from a single individual, he explained that voting is restricted to one phone per person. In the event of an attack, he mentioned that IKRA is responsible for overseeing system security. Multiple servers worldwide ensure the system remains operational despite power disruptions, underscoring their commitment to transparency.
Successes
The case study highlighted several successes, including:
High Participation: 90% of student engagement, demonstrating inclusive participation.
Enhanced Security and Accessibility: The I-voting system improved the security and accessibility of the voting process.
Student Empowerment: Students were educated about democracy and participation, contributing to a more informed electorate.
Challenges
Despite its successes, the I-voting system faced several challenges:
Trust Issues: Some individuals still prefer traditional voting methods.
Outreach Difficulties: Reaching potential partners for broader implementation proved challenging.
Initial Technical Disparities: Overcoming initial technical issues required significant effort.
Recommendations
Kirui provided several recommendations to address these challenges and enhance the I-Voting system:
Plot Program Implementation.
Expansion of the system to political parties, which will require extensive partnerships.
Engage in collaborative efforts with various stakeholders.
Conduct comprehensive training sessions and engage stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
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