The Role of ICT in Electoral Processes: Case of Kenya

Healthy democracies require high levels of explicit participation by citizens in political life of their countries, from voting empowerment to monitoring government performance. ICT is a tool which when used appropriately can help citizens participate in the political affairs of their countries. Through use of information technologies such as database management systems, biometrics voter registration and identification, optical scanning, block chains and digital networks, secure and robust systems for digital voting can be devised. The objective of this paper are to highlight the types of technologies used in electoral systems and results transmission, Investigate the challenges faced in using these technologies and to establish benefits of technology use in electoral processes. The study was conducted through a desk search on elections materials, elections observer reports, international and Kenyan laws on elections and reports by the Kenya's EMB, IEBC. The study concludes that legislative and regulatory items that govern elections in African countries need to be reviewed to cope with new and emerging technologies. When considering technological solutions for electoral processes, Election Management Bodies must conduct adequate feasibility studies and proper strategic planning to ensure that they have sufficient plans and time for the introduction of new technologies.

1. Introduction

We are living in an era in which various forms of Information Communication Technologies are relied upon by citizens of many countries around the world on a daily basis, to engage in almost everything from communication, commerce, banking and education to leisure. It is therefore imperative that conduction of elections reflect this modern reality. There is no doubt that the future is digital for many people around the globe, not only for elections but also government citizen interaction i.e., e-citizen, and in other forms of engagement and campaigning. The quality of governance can significantly be enhanced when ICT technological revolutions are harnessed to improve the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes, which in turn leads to electoral integrity. The use of technologies, in particular ICTs is enabling pioneering countries to set new levels of transparency, facilitating engagement and giving their citizens the advanced democratic tools that they demand and deserve. In many African countries, the utilization of Information Communication Technologies in electoral processes is in response to past experiences where election management has often been characterized by rigging allegations and violence. ICTs when implemented and used properly can modernize and improve the integrity of elections on the continent.