African Political Sociology | 11 June 2003
Voting Machines and Votings: An Ethnographic Assessment of Electronic Voting Patterns in Burkinabé Elections in Egypt
A, h, m, e, d, E, l, -, S, a, y, e, d
Abstract
This ethnographic study explores the adoption of electronic voting machines in Burkinabé elections within a broader context of technological integration into electoral processes in Egypt. Fieldwork was conducted in Egypt during the - electoral cycle, involving participant observation at polling stations, interviews with electoral officials, and surveys among voters. Ethnographic methods were employed to capture the lived experiences of election administrators and citizens. A notable finding is that electronic voting machines led to a higher voter turnout in urban areas compared to more remote locations, where traditional paper ballots remained dominant due to logistical constraints. The study concludes that while electronic voting has significant potential for streamlining elections and improving accuracy, it also poses challenges related to technology accessibility and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Recommendations include developing comprehensive training programmes for voters and election officials on new technologies, ensuring equitable access across all regions, and conducting regular audits of electronic systems for reliability and security.