# summary - Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/ - Published: 2025-09-15T12:19:41+02:00 - Author: dearSA _Advert_ _Advert – scroll down_ [Why is the IEC exploring e-voting now?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1738150189952-44103674-e29df7b6-0c78) There are several key reasons why the Electoral Commission is starting this national conversation about electronic voting in South Africa: **Growing Public Interest** South Africans across all communities have shown increasing interest in how technology could improve our voting system. This builds on our first e-voting conference held in 2013. **Advancing Technology** Digital technology and cybersecurity have advanced significantly in recent years. As your electoral commission, we have a duty to explore whether these developments could make voting more efficient and accessible for all South Africans. **Changing Voter Demographics** With more tech-savvy young voters joining our democracy, we need to evaluate if our current voting methods best serve everyone’s needs. **Challenges with Manual Voting** Our manual voting system faces some challenges, especially with our increasingly complex electoral system and a growing population. We need to examine if technology could help address these issues. **African Leadership** Several African nations are already exploring electronic voting. With South Africa’s strong democratic institutions and infrastructure, we should be part of this important continental conversation. **Important Note** This is just the beginning of a careful consultation process– not a decision to implement e-voting. If South Africa eventually decides to adopt electronic voting, it would be a long-term project requiring extensive planning and public input. [What is e-voting?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1738150189975-5d0623dc-47dcf7b6-0c78) Electronic voting (e-voting) refers to any voting system where votes are cast or counted electronically. There are 3 main types of e-voting systems: 1. a. **Internet Voting** b. * Allows voters to cast ballots from any computer with internet access * Can be done from home, work, or designated voting stations * Uses encryption and security protocols to protect vote integrity c. **Direct Recording e-voting machines** d. * Voters mark paper ballots which are then scanned and counted electronically. * Combines physical paper records with electronic counting. * Often seen as a good compromise between traditional and fully electronic voting. e. **Electronic counting systems** f. * Voters cast their votes directly on a computer terminal, known as an electronic voting machine (EVM). * The machine records and stores votes digitally. * May provide a paper backup of each vote (called a Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail or VVPAT) [What are the advantages of e-voting?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1738150854013-bb98f5fb-7d09f7b6-0c78) Electronic voting (e-voting) refers to any voting system where votes are cast or counted electronically. 1. * Improved electoral efficiency: Faster vote counting and result tabulation and reduced human error in vote counting. * Potential to boost voter turnout, especially among younger, more digitally literate voters. * Potential for increased accessibility for disabled voters. * Can help prevent certain types of electoral fraud. * Enables more efficient elections in a larger population. [What are the risks of e-voting?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1738151172108-10076802-4d00f7b6-0c78) - Cybersecurity risks and potential for hacking. - Need for robust back-up systems. - Voter trust and transparency concerns. - Digital divide and accessibility issues. - Initial set-up costs and technical infrastructure requirements. - Need for voter education and training. [How long will the public debate on e-voting last and how will the decision be reached and made](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1738151231288-dfdfde22-26f0f7b6-0c78) The IEC has allocated at least six months for comprehensive public debate on implementing e-voting technologies in South Africa. This consultation period serves multiple critical purposes: First, it provides an opportunity for all stakeholders – including citizens, civil society organizations, technology experts, and political parties – to voice their views and concerns about e-voting. Key discussion points include system security, process transparency, and ensuring universal accessibility, particularly for voters with disabilities and those in rural areas. Following the public debate, Parliament will evaluate the feedback and determine whether to authorise the IEC to proceed with e-voting trials. The decision-making process will involve: - Assessment of technical feasibility and security requirements - Evaluation of infrastructure readiness across the countryAnalysis of implementation costs and resource requirements - Review of necessary legislative amendments - Consideration of international best practices and lessons learned Should Parliament approve the initiative, the implementation would follow a carefully phased approach over several years. This gradual transition could include: - Pilot testing in selected voting districts - Comprehensive voter education programmes - Regular security audits and system assessments - Ongoing stakeholder consultation and feedback integration - Progressive roll-out based on success metrics and public confidence. The IEC remains committed to putting the needs of its citizens first and will ensure that any new voting system is as reliable and trustworthy as our current paper-based voting. [ Have your say on the proposal](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/#havasay) ### Top Concerns [Security and Trust](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931607651-149741ed-b01d) - How to ensure the system is protected against tampering and cyber attacks - What backup plans are needed for technical problems - How to maintain public confidence in election results [Access for All South Africans](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931607690-7776583a-a9f2) - Ways to address the digital divide between urban and rural areas - How to ensure all voters can participate easily, regardless of tech experience - Whether to maintain traditional voting alongside electronic option [Practical Implementation](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931607725-4afa51c7-12e0) - Understanding the full costs compared to current election expenses - Planning realistic timelines for testing and rollout - Learning from other countries’ experiences [Transparency](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931607767-e5d0a3ef-8a90) - Methods for voters to verify their votes - Systems for independent monitoring and auditing - How to maintain transparency throughout the process [Legal Requirements](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931607808-125e8f6c-948d) - What laws would need to change - How to ensure compliance with our Constitution - Handling any election disputes [Voter and Staff Preparation](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931872559-a5f100ee-3850) - Programmes to help voters understand the new system - Training for election staff - Public demonstrations and testing [Privacy and Data Protection](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931913566-42c0ec69-c5af) - Keeping voter information secure - Protecting voter anonymity - Managing election data responsibly [Infrastructure Needs](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/#1757931944982-6f1c093d-a6bc) - Choosing appropriate technology - Planning for power supply issues - Creating reliable backup system Public comments as delivered ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/01133312/e-voting.pdf) [Download [2.41 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/01133312/e-voting.pdf) The policy discussion document ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/15120142/250423Electronic_Voting_Policy_Discussion_Document_2025_Electoral_Commission_of_South_Africa.pdf) [Download [1.40 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/15120142/250423Electronic_Voting_Policy_Discussion_Document_2025_Electoral_Commission_of_South_Africa.pdf) Speech by Electoral Commission CEO Sy Mamabolo _eVoting Conference_10 March 2025 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/15124855/Speech-by-Electoral-Commission-CEO-Sy-Mamabolo-_eVoting-Conference_10-March-2025.pdf) [Download [162.41 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/15124855/Speech-by-Electoral-Commission-CEO-Sy-Mamabolo-_eVoting-Conference_10-March-2025.pdf) **E-voting conference. **The Electoral Commission says it is ready to welcome more than 200 local and international delegates who will be converging at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the next three days as part of the Electronic Voting for South Africa Conference. The conference will serve as a pivotal platform for initiating a public conversation about the possibility of introducing e-voting in South Africa sometime in the future. **e-voting conference part 2 **_https://www.elections.org.za/eVoting2025/_ **Buffalo City E-Voting Metro Youth Dialogue** **IEC KwaZulu-Natal Stakeholder Consultation on E-Voting for SA and Roadmap to LGE 2026** ### In the News - The Cape Independent — [The GNU keeps pushing for e-voting. This is a bad idea, and should be stopped.](https://thecapeindependent.com/the-gnu-keeps-pushing-for-e-voting-this-is-a-bad-idea-and-should-be-stopped/) - Polity — [IEC urges public to weigh in on e-voting in South Africa](https://www.polity.org.za/article/iec-urges-public-opinion-on-e-voting-in-south-africa-2025-08-26) - George Herald — [E-voting in SA: Yea or Nay?](https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/Elections/e-voting-in-sa-yea-or-nay-202509100104) - Daily Maverick — [Why is the IEC exploring e-voting — and will it be implemented in SA?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-03-13-iec-e-voting-will-it-come-to-sa/) - HTXT — [South Africa must decide on electronic voting](https://htxt.co.za/2025/08/south-africa-must-decide-on-electronic-voting/) - Cape Town etc. — [IEC takes e-voting debate to the Western Cape](https://www.capetownetc.com/news/iec-takes-e-voting-debate-to-the-western-cape/) - Channel Africa — [SA Electoral Commission will not be using electronic voting system for next year’s elections](http://www.channelafrica.co.za/sabc/home/channelafrica/news/details?id=9215c604-cc8d-45ee-87ae-ce75a05b3c5f&title=SA%20Electoral%20Commission%20will%20not%20be%20using%20electronic%20voting%20system%20for%20next%20year%27s%20elections) - EWN — [Should voting be compulsory in South Africa? Here’s what a scholar says](https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/09/10/should-voting-be-compulsory-in-south-africa-here-s-what-a-scholar-says) - ITWeb — [IEC begins consultation process on e-voting](https://www.itweb.co.za/article/iec-begins-consultation-process-on-e-voting/4r1ly7R9ZjGvpmda) **SABC News** — The Free State community of people with disabilities, has lamented the lack of information about electronic voting. They raised their concerns as the IEC in the province held a consultation session in Bloemfontein, to get the views of different stakeholders on the possible introduction of e-voting in South Africa. These included political parties, civil society and organisations who represent persons with disabilities. **SABC News** — The role of technology in addressing South Africa’s rising voter apathy came under the spotlight as interviews for vacant posts at the Electoral Commission got under way in Midrand, Johannesburg. A panel chaired by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, and including the Public Protector, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, is interviewing shortlisted candidates. The President appoints IEC commissioners for a term of seven years, with one of the vacant posts required to be filled by a serving High Court judge. As concerns around declining voter turnout and public trust grow, yesterday’s interviews took a sharper focus. **Zimasa “mooshtaffa” Vabaza** — South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in its democratic evolution. The custodian of the nation’s electoral integrity, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has embarked on a significant six-month national consultation process, that is set to conclude in September 2025. **Newzroom Afrika** — The Electoral Commission of South Africa has confirmed that electronic voting will not be introduced for the 2026 local government elections. This comes amid growing concerns about low voter turnout, lengthy ballot papers and logistical challenges during elections. IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo discusses the reasons behind this decision and explores what the future holds for e-voting in South Africa. ### STATEMENTS AND MEDIA RELEASES Click on a logo to view. Want to display your organisation’s statement? [Click here. ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/electronic-voting/summary/ info@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=org info for e-voting info page) Close ### Freedom of Religion SA (FOR SA) TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY FOR SA ### I strongly oppose the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill [B9B – 2018], which I believe to be unconstitutional and unnecessary, for the following reasons: 1. The Bill violates our constitutional rights as religious persons to express our religious beliefs without fear of punishment or persecution (section 15, read with section 16). Increasingly, around the world but also in South Africa, various holy scriptures (particularly on contentious issues) are regarded as “politically incorrect” or “offensive”, allegedly causing emotional and/or social harm. 2. I specifically oppose the Bill’s: 3. a. wide definition of “harm” (in Clause 1); b. the failure to define “hatred” (in Clause 1); and c. definition of, and creation of, the crime of “hate speech” (in Clause 4). 4. The creation of the crime of “hate speech” for saying / distributing something which could possibly be construed as “harmful”, will have certain unintended consequences, namely the criminalisation of good / well-meaning people who will be prosecuted for saying what they sincerely believe (according to their holy texts) and sent to jail. 5. There are already sufficient existing laws dealing with “hate speech”. 6. For all of the reasons given, I ask: 7. a. For the scrapping of the “hate speech” sections from the Bill altogether; b. Alternatively, should the “hate speech” provisions remain part of the Bill, we ask: c. a. That “harm” be defined as: “gross emotional and psychological detriment that objectively and severely undermines the human dignity of the targeted group”; and b. That “hatred” be defined as: “strong and deeply-felt emotions of enmity, ill- will, detestation, malevolence and vilification against members of an identifiable group, that implies that members of that group are to be despised, scorned, denied respect and subjected to ill-treatment based on their group affiliation”. d. That Clause 4(2)(d) (the “religious exemption clause”) be strengthened as follows to protect: _“expression of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writings, by a religious organisation or an individual, in public or in private, to the extent that such expression does not actively support, instigate, exhort, or call for extreme detestation, vilification, enmity, ill-will and malevolence that constitutes incitement to cause gross emotional and psychological harm that severely undermines the dignity of the targeted group, based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation”._