By Gofaone Motsamai

Concerns over cost, access and digital readiness dominated discussions at a seminar on the feasibility of introducing electronic voting (e-voting) in South Africa hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The seminar on 12 June 2025 at the Mahikeng Hotel School had the theme “Technology in electoral democracy: status update”. It attracted academics from North-West University (NWU), students, Student Campus Council members, political party representatives, the public and college students from across the North West Province.

Opening remarks highlighted that e-voting discussions within the IEC began as early as 2013, with international conferences and internal assessments helping the commission reflect on whether South Africa is ready.

The IEC emphasised that a change of this scale could not be rushed. South Africa’s legal framework still mandates the use of physical ballot papers and other concerns include digital literacy in rural areas and the affordability of an -e-voting system. The current process aims to raise awareness, gauge public sentiment and inform a broader national consultation before any decisions are made.

Any decisions will be based on consultation and research

Dr Thabo Rapoo, manager of research and knowledge management at the IEC, explained that the process was not a sudden move but informed by a structured research initiative. “There was a systematic exercise that we did to gather the information that informed the policy,” he said.

He added that the IEC had commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council to conduct studies, engage with stakeholders and learn from international experiences. “We are now at the stage of province-by-province discussions. Your views today are critical,” he told attendees.

Dr Rapoo shared examples of countries that have successfully implemented e-voting systems, including India and Brazil, as well as those that abandoned it due to technical or legal complications, such as Germany, Ireland and Namibia. He clarified that while countries like Estonia have gone fully digital, they have the benefit of high levels of public trust and advanced digital infrastructure, factors still under development in South Africa.

Some pros and cons of e-voting

Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer from the School of Government Studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng campus, placed the conversation within South Africa’s broader socio-economic context. He outlined how e-voting could reduce spoiled votes and speed up vote counting. “Less human intervention leads to fewer opportunities of fraud by manipulation during voting as well as counting,” he said.

However, Dr Shangase stressed that the introduction of technology would not automatically resolve deeper issues in the country’s democratic processes. “The digital divide restricts access to information and platforms of political participation, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.”

He pointed out that despite technological advancement, the country continues to face stubborn inequalities, poor digital infrastructure in rural areas and low voter turnout. “It is highly unlikely that the introduction of advanced technologies will remedy already prevalent factors such as voter apathy and disaffection,” he said.

The IEC reiterated that no decision on the implementation of e-voting will be made before the 2026 general elections. Legislative amendments, pilot testing and sustained public engagement are still needed.

Attendees of the IEC Thought Leadership Seminar gather for a group photo, marking a successful day of insightful engagement and knowledge sharing.
 

Panel members at the IEC Thought Leadership Seminar, from left to right: Dr Thabo Rapoo (Manager: Research and Knowledge Management), Mr Nathaniel Sebolai (IT Operations Manager), and Ms Tsholofelo Ramokala (Political Liaison Committee).
 

Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer from the School of Government Studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng campus.