Technology in elections is not an end in itself - technology is simply a tool used to facilitate various electoral processes. As such, the administrative considerations that apply to each step of the electoral process will generally also apply to the use of technology in those processes. This section will examine some administrative considerations that apply specifically to technology.
Adoption of new technology requires a rigorous and well-structured implementation process to ensure success. The following steps could be included in such a strategy:
- Clearly establish the purpose for acquiring the technology
- Assess your ability to implement the technology - don't bite off more than you can chew
- Make sure you have enough time in which to implement and fully test the technology before it has to be used
- Consult with all relevant stakeholders, internal and external
- Ensure you have the legal power to implement the technology
- Make sure your organizational structure is capable of adapting to the new technology
- Determine that an adequate infrastructure is in place to support your chosen technology and that the technology is appropriate for the local environment
- Once you have decided to proceed, follow a recognized project development methodology (see Project Development and Implementation Methodologies)
- Obtain funds to implement the technology, both at the set-up stage and the ongoing maintenance stage
- Follow correct purchasing and/or tendering processes
- Decide whether to use one vendor (who will be responsible for contracting other vendors as needed) or several (with the EMB taking responsibility for integration)
- Determine whether to develop systems or software in-house, or to purchase externally developed systems or software
- Determine who will be responsible for ongoing system maintenance - in-house staff or external contractors - and ensure that support and a reliable skills base will be available when needed
- Implement a thorough test program before the technology is brought into production - undertake a pilot program if desirable
- Ensure that adequate documentation is provided - most hardware will come with standard documentation, and off-the-shelf software should include documentation, but customized applications may need special documentation written to accompany them
- Develop clear procedures to enable the technology to be used effectively
- Ensure all users of the technology are adequately trained. Where a system is used over a period of time, an ongoing training strategy should be developed
- Regularly maintain hardware as appropriate
- Regularly update software as needed; check whether any bugs in your software are identified and ensure they are fixed
- Monitor technological changes over time to determine whether you need to upgrade or replace your existing technology
For more detail, see:
Effects on Readiness and Service
Legislative/Regulatory Framework
Sustainability
Special Considerations In Less Developed Countries
