An exploration of the effective use of electronic voting machines in electoral processes in the Khomas region of Namibia
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Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the effective use of Electronic Voting Machines (EV Ms) in electoral processes in Namibia, focusing on the Khomas Region. Since it has been common in Namibia for the election system and election results to be challenged, subsequently as a means to pre-empt electoral challenges, such as the one which took place in 2004 and 2009 elections and in order to enhance legitimacy of the electoral processes in Namibia, the Electronic Voting Machines were introduced and was thought to be the solution. Hence, in the 2014 Presidential and National Assembly (PNA) elections, the EVM system was introduced and it was also used in the 2015 Regional Council and Local Authority (RCLA) elections.
Namibia became the first African country to use the EVM system in the country's general elections, thus setting precedence in the continent. Globally, the system has been used in various countries such as France, India, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, and Germany to mention a few. In these countries, the effectiveness of the system produced mix results, to some the system was successful and to others a failure. For example, in the Netherlands and Germany the system was suspended.
Since this was the first time for the electronic voting machines to be used in Namibia, this study sought to explore the effectiveness of using Electronic Voting Machines. The main research objective was to explore the effective use of EVM as an instrument in the electoral processes in Namibia. A mixed method data collection approach was used where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used although the qualitative was dominant. A sample of 40 participants was selected where 30 were electorates, 5 ECN employees and 5 political representatives. Non-probability sampling techniques in the form of judgmental and convenience sampling were used to select the participants. The empirical results indicated that the EVMs were very effective in the 2014 Presidential and National Assembly elections and 2015 Regional Council and Local Authority elections. All the electorates, ECN employees and political representatives applauded the system and rated it
as better than the traditional manual system. However, since it was the first time to use the system, the level of confidence and trust was very low. It was also noted that the education and awareness campaign was not enough to sensitise the electorate and all stakeholders, hence, the study recommended intensive educational and awareness programmes to be implemented in the coming elections, in order to instil trust and confidence in all stakeholders.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration
Keywords
National assembly elections, Electronic voting Machines