HomeNewsUNZA ICT expert calls on govt to adopt mobile voting during elections

UNZA ICT expert calls on govt to adopt mobile voting during elections

The University of Zambia Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department has called on the government to adopt a mobile voting system during elections. The University of Zambia Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department has called on the government to adopt  a mobile voting system during elections.
 
ICT Expert Catherine Saboi told the Lusaka Star in an interview that mobile voting offers the opportunity for voters to cast votes conveniently.

Ms Saboi ,however, said  if this was to work effectively, there would be need for tight security measures.

She notes that there would be need for systems which allow voters to anonymously submit their ballots.

“Simcards are registered and if this system is to work, there should be a system where the particulars of sim card owners are kept secret to maintain voter confidentiality,” she stated.

University of Zambia students have expressed mixed feelings at the prospect of a mobile voting system.

University of Zambia Student Norman Makasa told the Lusaka Star that a mobile voting system would encourage infiltration of mobile networks.
 

“Rigging of elections would become easy as political parties could easily pay off a mobile communication service provider in exchange for favourable results,” he explained.

Mr. Makasa added that voting would have to be toll free as adding a charge to it would encourage voter apathy.

And University of Zambia Student Kutemba Lumamaba explained that introducing a mobile voting system would be advantageous as voting would be made easier.

Ms Lumamba said a mobile voting system would reduce voter apathy as people would not have to travel long distances or stand in long queues for a long time.

She also said such a move should put into consideration those in rural areas who are usually faced with network problems.
 

“To ensure that all Zambians are encouraged to vote despite their location,there would be need for a mixed system of voting which includes maintaining the current system in some areas,” she said.
 

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