Use Technology for Free and Fair Election

by Aditya E.S. Wicaksono Nusa Dua, Bali (Antara) An interactive session at the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VI here on Friday called for the use of information technology to conduct free and fair elections. BDF VI's theme this year is "Consolidating Democracy in a Pluralistic Society." The two sub-themes are "the need for free and fair general elections" and "ways to build and strengthen democratic institutions," such as the Constitutional Court and the General Elections Commission in every country. The interactive session with the theme "Conducting Free and Fair Elections" was moderated by former chief of Indonesia's Constitutional Court Jimly Asshiddiqie. Foreign Minister of Liberia Augustine Kepehe Ngafuan and that of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarof participated in the session. Asshiddiqie said delegates at the BDF discussed electronic voting and counting. "The use of technology is very important," stated Augustine Kepehe Ngafuan. He, however, advocated supervision to prevent glitches in the system that could lead to a perception of fraud. "The counting of ballots should start immediately," Augustine remarked, adding that a credible election would prevent conflict in the region, especially in African countries. Foreign Minister of The Netherlands Frans Timmermans had also supported the use of technology earlier, saying it had made the election process fast and efficient. "On a TV program, viewers can immediately vote for certain candidates online using electronic instruments," he explained. (*)