Procuring and Using Technology in Electoral Management

The use of information and communication technologies(ICTs) can positively impact electoral management, especially in making some processes quicker and more efficient. But according to a new study from the European Commission, UNDP and International IDEA, ICT solutions also carry numerous risks. Strategic, operational and procurement planning is therefore central to the successful introduction and use of ICTs in elections.

The past decade has seen a significant increase in the use of ICTs in electoral management, which has considerably changed election administration in many countries. The use of ICTs can positively impact election management, especially in making some processes quicker and more efficient. But ICT solutions also carry many risks. They often suffer from unrealistic expectations, and they may not be appropriate in all contexts. 

Find the whole article featured on the IFES 2011 Buyer’s Guide to Election Suppliers at page 9, click here.

You can download the  whole study “Procurement Aspects of Introducing ICT Solutions in Electoral Processes - The Specific Case of Voter Registration” at the EC-UNDP Joint Task Force on Electoral Assistance page.