Transcript Meaningful Observation of Electronic Voting Processes Presentation by Mats Lindberg, Election Adviser, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and.

Meaningful Observation of
Electronic Voting Processes
Presentation by Mats Lindberg, Election Adviser,
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE)
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
(ODIHR)
Issues to be addressed when
observing electronic voting
• The background leading to the decision for electronic voting
and comparison with the system being replaced
• the legal framework
• certification and testing of the system
• secrecy of the ballot
• security of the entire system and its functioning
• voter accessibility and education
• election administration and training of polling station officials
in operating the voting system
• Voter-verified paper record
• recounts and challenges to results
• overall transparency and public confidence
• accountability
Minimum requirements for an
electronic voting system
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Inclusive and transparent certification of the electronic voting system by a qualified independent
body
The comprehensive testing of the system
Access for individuals or groups specifically identified in election legislation, such as academic
institutions or civil society groups, to conduct comprehensive and periodic reviews.
Access for international observers to the results of the certification process
Secrecy of the ballot must be guaranteed
Security requirements that apply at each level of the system and ensure transparency and
accountability
The electronic voting system must produce a voter verifiable paper record
Amendment of the legal framework to adequately provide for sufficient transparency, mandatory
audits, possibility for recounts, and legal challenges to election results under the new electronic
voting system
Regulations to prevent possible conflicts of interests of vendors, certification agencies and
election officials, including a strict code of ethics to prevent the appearance of partisan activity and
the acceptance of anything of monetary value between vendors and officials involved in the
procurement, administration, and oversight of election systems
Establishment of a clear division of responsibilities between vendors, certification agencies and
election administrators to fully ensure accountability and an effective response in the case of
system failure.