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Trust system framework for integrity controls in electoral vote counting and validation
Author(s)
Mwansa, Patrick
Date Issued
2023
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The integrity and transparency of electoral processes are essential for the legitimacy of
democratic systems. This study addresses the challenges faced by traditional and electronic
voting systems, including mistrust, security flaws and lack of transparency. Traditional paperbased
voting methods carry the risk of losses, miscounts, and fraud, while electronic voting
systems represent a significant advance but have not fully solved these problems. The
introduction of blockchain technology in voting systems is seen as a potential solution to these
problems, as it offers greater security, reliability, and anonymity. However, blockchain
applications in elections are not unproblematic. In response to these challenges, this study
proposes the development of a blockchain-based vote counting and validation (BBVV) artefact
using symmetric cryptography and edge computing. The aim is to create an artefact that
ensures transparent, secure, and trustworthy vote counting and validation processes. The
research is driven by the need to increase trust in voting systems, especially in the context of
increasing complexity and technological advances in voting mechanisms.
On a theoretical level, the scope of the research is limited to the vote counting and validation
phase of elections, with a focus on the integration of blockchain technology and edge
computing. The study draws on the literature on blockchain platforms such as Ethereum and
Algorand and reflects the perspective of election stakeholders in African countries. However,
it recognises limitations, including possible biases and the regional specificity of the results.
The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches within a pragmatic
research philosophy and uses Design Science Research (DSR) to create and evaluate the
artefact. Data collection methods include questionnaires for system specifications and
historical election results used as experimental data for performance evaluation.
The thesis also offers policy recommendations, arguing in favour of integrating blockchain
technology into African electoral systems, with a focus on infrastructure development, legal
frameworks, stakeholder engagement and further research. The study highlights three key
contributions: the practical contribution of the BBVV artefact in electoral challenges, its
practical advances, and the potential of blockchain technology in e-voting systems; theoretical
insights from the Byzantine General Problem (BGP) and Byzantine Binary Agreement (BBA)
protocol in consensus algorithms for blockchain applications; and methodological advances
in computer science through a novel approach that combines pragmatism and DSR. This
methodology, which incorporates iterative testing and expert input, has the potential to
improve the efficiency, security, and transparency of real-world elections, with implications for
digital governance and cybersecurity.
In conclusion, future research directions include improving scalability and energy efficiency,
integrating advanced security measures, exploring IoT integration, conducting empirical
studies, and educating the public about these technologies to strengthen the democratic
process through technological innovation.
democratic systems. This study addresses the challenges faced by traditional and electronic
voting systems, including mistrust, security flaws and lack of transparency. Traditional paperbased
voting methods carry the risk of losses, miscounts, and fraud, while electronic voting
systems represent a significant advance but have not fully solved these problems. The
introduction of blockchain technology in voting systems is seen as a potential solution to these
problems, as it offers greater security, reliability, and anonymity. However, blockchain
applications in elections are not unproblematic. In response to these challenges, this study
proposes the development of a blockchain-based vote counting and validation (BBVV) artefact
using symmetric cryptography and edge computing. The aim is to create an artefact that
ensures transparent, secure, and trustworthy vote counting and validation processes. The
research is driven by the need to increase trust in voting systems, especially in the context of
increasing complexity and technological advances in voting mechanisms.
On a theoretical level, the scope of the research is limited to the vote counting and validation
phase of elections, with a focus on the integration of blockchain technology and edge
computing. The study draws on the literature on blockchain platforms such as Ethereum and
Algorand and reflects the perspective of election stakeholders in African countries. However,
it recognises limitations, including possible biases and the regional specificity of the results.
The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches within a pragmatic
research philosophy and uses Design Science Research (DSR) to create and evaluate the
artefact. Data collection methods include questionnaires for system specifications and
historical election results used as experimental data for performance evaluation.
The thesis also offers policy recommendations, arguing in favour of integrating blockchain
technology into African electoral systems, with a focus on infrastructure development, legal
frameworks, stakeholder engagement and further research. The study highlights three key
contributions: the practical contribution of the BBVV artefact in electoral challenges, its
practical advances, and the potential of blockchain technology in e-voting systems; theoretical
insights from the Byzantine General Problem (BGP) and Byzantine Binary Agreement (BBA)
protocol in consensus algorithms for blockchain applications; and methodological advances
in computer science through a novel approach that combines pragmatism and DSR. This
methodology, which incorporates iterative testing and expert input, has the potential to
improve the efficiency, security, and transparency of real-world elections, with implications for
digital governance and cybersecurity.
In conclusion, future research directions include improving scalability and energy efficiency,
integrating advanced security measures, exploring IoT integration, conducting empirical
studies, and educating the public about these technologies to strengthen the democratic
process through technological innovation.
Additional information
Thesis (DPhil (Informatics))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2023
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