Last updated on December 17, 2013

The timeframe for consideration and possible adoption of electronic voting and counting technologies is an issue that needs to be carefully considered.⁴ It is easy to underestimate the time that proper consideration and implementation can take, even for a pilot project. A full assessment of electoral requirements; availability of technologies; and identifying benefits and challenges of using such technologies can take many months. Once suitable technologies are identified, they must be procured – ideally and initially on a small scale – for a pilot. When pilots are held, a full and thorough evaluation of the process must be conducted before any plans or decisions are made for further implementation. 

Legislation and regulations need to be drafted and passed, which in many countries could take months or even longer. Consultations should take place in the initial stages and throughout the process with stakeholders regarding whether the technology should be implemented and, if so, in what form. Technology suppliers need adequate time to develop and deliver equipment and systems, including testing and certification of desired systems. Election officials need to be trained and voter education needs to be conducted on use of the technologies.

The complexity involved in implementation of such technology projects also means that even where comprehensive project plans and timelines are developed, there should be flexibility within the timeline to cope with unforeseen problems and challenges. Such complications often occur. Unlike other technology implementation projects, there is little room for delaying the completion date where elections are concerned. The election must take place on a certain date, and if the technology is not ready, it presents a serious problem.

EMBs considering the use of electronic voting or counting technologies need to be fully aware of these time challenges and plan accordingly. In most cases, the timeline for proper implementation of such technologies is likely to be measured in years rather than months, even for pilots.

^{4 For more detailed information on this topic, please refer to the following section in Part 2: Project and Risk Management.}

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