Trust system framework for integrity controls in electoral vote counting and validation

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.