This event is part of an ongoing effort to engage South Africans in shaping the future of voting as technology becomes increasingly integrated into democratic processes.

The upcoming seminar is particularly timely, as SA's local government elections are expected to take place late next year or in early 2027. The IEC is eager to examine the possibility of adopting electronic voting systems, with the aim of making the electoral process more efficient and accessible. The conference will feature contributions from a diverse range of participants, including representatives from the blind community, academics, and other stakeholders, to ensure that the discussion encompasses the needs of all South Africans.

IEC Chief Executive Officer, Sy Mamabolo, highlighted the significance of the seminar as a platform for public engagement. “It is important to indicate that this seminar will be launching a discussion document on electronic voting. No decision has yet been made to implement electronic voting, but we find it necessary to have a national conversation about the subject. The discussion document that will be launched will include some of the following components: a country review of electronic voting, including those countries using voting station-based technologies as well as those using internet voting. We think this is a significant opportunity for South Africans to shape the future of voting in the digital world," Mamabolo stated.

This seminar represents an essential step in ensuring that any potential move toward electronic voting aligns with the needs and concerns of the public, particularly regarding security, accessibility, and fairness.

--ChannelAfrica--