Adopt phone-based platform to election

We need to adopt an automated tamper-proof system in elections.

In Kenya, 80 per cent of people have mobile phones and almost 90 per cent know how to use Mpesa. And since Kenyans trust Mpesa, we need to develop a similar platform to handle our votes.

Here is a suggested example.

On your phone, you’ll need to go to app menu.

*Safaricom

*Mpesa

*Vote

Select “Vote”?

Enter ID Card Number i.e.123456789?

Enter PIN****?

Election menu:

1. President

2. MP

3.Governor

4.MCA

5.Woman Representative

Reply with number Nos. 1,2,3,4,5

If you select 1, there should be a list of presidential candidates to pick. The same applies to other elective offices.

Once you confirm the number and name of your favourite candidate, the vote is tallied automatically, immediately and transparently rolled to a counter which is broadcast by all media houses live and in real-time.

This system would be secure since your phone IMEI serial number is known and no one can vote twice for any elective post. Other details like your ID No. and your pin cannot be used by any another party.

The value of this system, if honestly and transparently done like MPESA platform, would have more benefits.

With less than Sh100m, the election agency can conduct a General Election.

Limited staff would be required, hence reduced expense for wages and salaries.

No BVR kits required. This would save all billions used in purchase and maintenance of the devices.

No vehicles and helicopters for hiring.

No massive expensive paper printing and shipping.

No massive purchase and transporting of plastic ballot boxes.

No waking up at 4am for day-long queues

No travelling to your village to vote. You vote from wherever you are.

Shortest election time. By noon of the election day, the result are out. Before evening elected leaders are confirmed.