Last updated on December 17, 2013

This part of the manual takes the reader through the processes of implementing and observing electronic voting or counting projects, and is divided into three main sections discussed chronologically below. These sections address:

1. the decision-making process for adopting electronic voting or counting solutions; 
2. building the electronic voting or counting solution; and 
3. implementing the technology for an election.

The first section covers the needs assessment and decision in principle as to whether technologies exist that meet these needs, piloting these technologies, and the final decision on adoption based on a full assessment of pilots conducted.

The second section, focused on building the system, looks at issues such as the applicable standards with which electronic voting or counting must comply, the revision of the legal framework to properly regulate the use of electronic voting or counting technologies, the design and procurement of the new technologies, staff training and security requirements for the technology.

Finally, the third section outlines challenges associated with using electronic voting or counting technologies in an election. These include the management of electronic voting or counting projects; the education of voters on new technologies; the maintenance, storage and update of equipment and software; certification and testing; Election Day implementation; tabulation of results; challenges and recounts; post-election audits; evaluation of the system and Internet voting.

Each electoral environment will be different, and some of the issues outlined in this part of the manual may be more or less relevant in particular country contexts. However, all election management bodies considering the implementation of electronic voting or counting solutions should be aware of all of the implementation issues outlined below, and should ensure they have adequately considered and dealt with them. Likewise, electoral stakeholders such as political parties or civil society groups should be aware of these issues when planning a strategy for oversight of the process.

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Making a Decision on E-voting or E-counting