Digital Generation Pushes South Africa Toward Electronic Voting Future

According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, a younger generation that has grown up with technology is largely to blame for South Africa’s impending transition to electronic voting.

Speaking to the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, Schreiber stated that young voters, who demand more contemporary, practical solutions, may soon view the manual voting process as obsolete. He emphasized that political expectations are being influenced by digital habits, and the nation must adapt.

“Everything is digital now, especially for the youth,” Schreiber stated. They will eventually begin to question why we continue to use antiquated manual voting procedures. We run the risk of losing their involvement if we don’t adjust.

In a move that suggests increased interest in the concept, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) recently began a six-month public consultation process on electronic voting.

According to Schreiber, it’s critical to have these discussions at an early age in order to prevent future backlash. He went on, “We don’t want to be in a position where young people feel excluded from the process because we didn’t modernize.”

Although there are currently no confirmed timelines, it is evident that South Africa is setting the stage for a possible digital upgrade to its voting system, which could revolutionize the nation’s democratic participation.

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Sourced:EWN

Picture: JHU Engineering Magazine