The introduction of new technologies into the electoral process is not only something exclusive to developed democracies, but has become standard in modern electoral systems around the world. This innovation is not only useful, but is necessary to ensure the transparency, efficiency and integrity of the electoral process.
New technologies are used in elections by more than half of the world’s countries, 96 of them to be specific.
According to The Economist Democracy Index, of the 15 countries at the top of the list, 10 of them actively use some form of new technology in the electoral process. Among them are Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Uruguay and Australia. These countries have recognized the benefits that technological innovation brings, including improved efficiency, reduced opportunities for electoral fraud, and increased citizen confidence in the electoral process.
Even within the European Union, which has traditionally embraced high standards of democracy, 15 of the 27 members actively use some form of new technology in their electoral process. Countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden have recognized the benefits of digitization in electoral administration.
When it comes to EU membership candidate countries, among which is Bosnia and Herzegovina, we notice that 6 out of 8 of these countries already use some form of new technologies in the electoral process. This includes countries such as Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Therefore, claims that new technologies in the electoral process are something that should be avoided or that they are only a tool for electoral fraud and control by external actors are outdated and unfounded. On the contrary, these technologies are crucial for the modernization of electoral systems and ensure the transparency, integrity and reliability of elections.
Instead of fearing progress, it should be welcomed as a tool that strengthens democratic processes and increases citizens’ trust in political institutions.
Image source: Freepik.com
