We are witnessing that since the Amendments to the Electoral Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (which, among other things, refer to the introduction of new technologies into the electoral process), manipulation of information by political subjects who try to present the introduction of new technologies as something bad has been appearing in the public discourse.
New technologies in BiH elections will prevent numerous proven election thefts and frauds, which is why it is very important to expose the false narratives that appear in connection with new technologies in elections. In the following text, we bring you some of the most common false narratives that have appeared in the last period, but also accurate information that refutes false narratives.
Narrative: “It doesn’t exist anywhere in the world except here. Not even in the EU countries.”
Fact: 96 countries around the world use some form of new technology in elections. Some form of new technologies is applied in 15 countries of the European Union, which clearly shows that we are not the only ones who would apply modern technological solutions in the electoral process. While some of these technologies may be specific to each country, the idea to use new technologies would not be unique to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Narrative: “We will have foreign influence on the elections! Hackers will rig the election!”
Fact: By placing fake news pertaining to foreign interference, politicians want to prevent the introduction of new technologies so they can continue with election theft and fraud. Also, security measures are very difficult to crack. Even in the event of a hacking attempt, paper ballot results remain as an additional security measure. This ensures the integrity of the electoral process and protects against any attempts of manipulation.
Narrative: “It’s not safe!”
Fact: The daily use of bank cards and biometric personal documents, as well as online business and payments, shows that we already live in a digital age where we rely on new technologies without fear because we have made sure that they are safe.
Narrative: “Our elders will not know how to vote!”
Fact: New technology tools are designed to complement the traditional way of voting, not replace it. Voting continues in the same way. Also, as before, help will be available for anyone who needs it.
Narrative: “What will happen if the power goes out?”
Fact: All polling stations have uninterrupted power supply in order to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised even in the case of a power failure, which is otherwise very rare. In the case that such an incident happens, the devices will have the ability to self-power for a certain period of time, and voting will continue by using traditional ballots.
Narrative: “It is not in the interest of my people!”
Fact: It is important to remember that technology is inherently neutral. New technologies in elections protect the votes of all citizens-voters, and do not act in the interest of any political parties or people.
Electoral technologies are standard in modern electoral systems. It is imperative for us to welcome progress and preserve the integrity of our electoral system.
Image source: Freepik.com
