Kwasi Kabiro September 7, 2024 0 Comments

The Role of Blockchain in Transparent Election Processes

Taking a step further from our previous discussion on how blockchain can empower economies in marginalized nations, we delve into the crucial facet of governance in this piece. We talk about how blockchain technology can be harnessed to enable transparent, secure, and fair elections, setting the foundation of a stronger democracy, particularly in developing countries and marginalized regions.

Demystifying Blockchain’s Impact on Elections

Blockchain, the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, has multiple characteristics which make it uniquely fitted to electoral systems. Amongst others, the features of transparency, security, and decentralization stand out.

Digital Democracy with Blockchain

By comprising a decentralized digital ledger that maintains an unalterable record of transactions across various computers, blockchain sets the groundwork for digital elections. Coupled with features like anonymity and security, blockchain-based voting could help tackle many of the existing issues that plague traditional electoral systems.

Blockchain in Election Processes

Turning theory into practice, let’s look at how exactly blockchain can streamline electoral procedures and induce transparency in the process.

Secure Voter Registration

The first step in any election is the voter registration process, an aspect often manipulated in marginalized nations to skew results in favor of certain candidates. Using blockchain, agencies can create a secure, digital identity system that ensures only eligible voters participate in the voting process.

Inviolable Casting of Votes

Blockchain would allow people to cast their votes in a secure, encrypted form, ensuring that no third party can tamper with or change their vote. This significantly reduces the chance of votes being changed or manipulated in any way during the polling process.

Transparent Vote Counting

Lastly, blockchain’s immutable nature ensures the transparency and reliability of the vote count. Once stored, data on the blockchain cannot be modified retroactively thus eliminating the chances of false results and boosting public trust in the conducted election.

Real-World Instances of Blockchain in Elections

Though blockchain-powered elections are not yet widespread, some entities have started experimenting with this approach, exemplifying its potential.

West Virginia – Mobile Voting Pilot

In the 2018 Midterm Elections, the state of West Virginia piloted a project to use a blockchain platform to facilitate remote voting for military personnel overseas.

Moscow – Active Citizen Project

In an attempt to gauge citizens’ opinion on civic projects, Moscow developed ‘Active Citizen’ using a private blockchain to secure votes and cultivate transparency.

Potential Hurdles and the Way Forward

While the case for blockchain in elections is compelling, several barriers need to be addressed, including digital accessibility, internet connectivity, and voter education. To ensure a truly democratic and inclusive approach, policy, infrastructure support, and education must hand in hand with technological advancements.

Conclusion

As we look towards a future in which technology and democracy intertwine more than ever, the potential of blockchain in cheering honest, transparent, and fair elections becomes increasingly more positive. Despite obstacles, blockchain holds promise to give birth to an era where elective procedures are not just confined to the elite but become a universal right. We, at SGA Crypto, are thrilled to witness and become a part of this transformative journey.

Disclaimer: SGA Crypto does not offer any cryptocurrencies or financial advice. The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Kwasi Kabiro, CEO.

Sources:

  1. West Virginia’s Experiment with Blockchain Voting
  2. Moscow’s Active Citizen Project
  3. Blockchain in Elections: An Emerging Narrative
  4. Candidate Landscapes and Voter Interfaces: Online Voting and Blockchain in Scotland
  5. Technology in Voting: Blockchain advantages
  6. Could blockchain technology revolutionise voting? BBC Report
  7. Blockchain-based voting system spurs hope and skepticism

Contact CEO Kwasi Kabiro @sgascanner for more insights.

Join our SGA Crypto Community Group here

Visit our website here

Contact Admin @sgascanner

Leave Comment