A scheme of analysis for eVoting as a technological innovation system

Abstract

This paper seeks to determine whether the introduction of technology in the electoral processes can be regarded as a technological innovation system. This is done by analysing and evaluating eVoting systems using data obtained from interviews and reviewing documentation relating to a multicase study of the Namibian and South African context. The study reveals that the adapted scheme of analysis proposed for technological innovation systems can be successfully applied to an eVoting system to obtain insights into the functions of the system, the electoral processes involved, and the process of introducing the innovation (techno-change process). From the analysis, it can be deduced that an eVoting system may be classified as technological innovation system as the researcher was able to analyse, identify, and link the 6 steps of the scheme of analysis to the electoral processes. This analytical process is expected to provide improved insights into the techno-change processes and the electoral processes and enhance adoption of the eVoting system. The findings not only explain how to improve the usability of the electoral system and its efficiency but also help in crafting policies and strategies that can counter the barriers of implementing and adoption of the technology.