Technology in polls must be deployed in line with law

Philip Omondi Thigo

Election Management Bodies (EMBs) around the world are modernising their electoral processes through adoption of technology to adhere to global best practice. In most cases, technology has been introduced to reduce opportunities for those desirous of compromising the integrity of the voting process. Integrity in voting processes increases public trust. Technology, however, is not an end by itself, more so the types deployed during elections. The use of technology must consider contexts since any technology system is more than the gadgets or the operation it supports. Therefore, a viable technology environment must embrace relevant laws, regulations and guidelines that are consistent with social and political contexts. This is particularly critical in developing countries where proper familiarisation with procedures and user training are crucial.

The challenge of technology deployment during elections in Kenya is not new. It began under the leadership of the late Justice Chesoni whose effort saw the digitisation of the voter register in under six months in the run-up to the 1997 polls.