ECM Rules Out E-Voting Despite Cost Considerations
ECM rules out e-voting, says it could cut costs but is unnecessary | Photo: MV+
The President of the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), Mohamed Zahid, has stated that the public continues to trust the current election system and that the commission has no plans to introduce e-voting, even though such a move could potentially reduce costs.
During a meeting of the Parliament’s Budget Review Committee on the ECM’s budget for the coming year, several members raised questions about ways to lower the costs of holding elections. In response, the Member for Central Hithadhoo, PNC’s Ahmed Azan Marzooq, inquired whether the commission planned to adopt e-voting, as has been implemented in some other countries.
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Zahid emphasised that maintaining public confidence is the most important aspect of any election. He said that the public currently has faith in the existing system and that the environment is not suitable for changing it at this time. He added that even if legal amendments required a shift to e-voting, implementing such a system would be extremely challenging.
The ECM president also noted that, should e-voting be considered in the future, collaboration with political parties would be the most efficient way to gain public trust and facilitate the transition.
