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The role of technology in international elections It has transformed the way citizens exercise their right to vote, the way governments organize elections, and how the transparency of results is guaranteed.
In an era where digitalization encompasses almost every aspect of public life, democracy is also connected to the Internet.
Summary:
- The new technological dimension of voting
- Innovations that are changing electoral processes
- Risks that threaten democratic trust
- Two recent examples of responsible use of technology
- Global strategies to ensure safe elections
- Conclusion: trust and technology, a relationship that must mature
- Frequently Asked Questions
The new technological dimension of voting
In 2025, technology is no longer just an operational support; it has become a decisive factor in the credibility of electoral processes.
From digital registration systems to automated counting platforms, The role of technology in international elections redefines the concept of citizen participation and oversight.
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However, the big question remains: can digital innovation strengthen democracy, or does it risk weakening it?
The answer depends on the transparency with which the tools are applied, the technological literacy of voters, and the political will to ensure their ethical use.
In a hyperconnected world, every election is also a test of cybersecurity, institutional trust, and social maturity.
Technology can unite citizens or separate those who trust from those who fear surveillance.
Innovations that are changing electoral processes
Recent elections on various continents show notable progress in digitalization.
Countries like Estonia, Mexico, India and South Korea They have implemented solutions ranging from online platforms to artificial intelligence (AI) to detect irregularities.
Blockchain and vote traceability:
Blockchain technology allows every vote to be recorded in an immutable and auditable manner.
Its application reduces the risk of manipulation and speeds up counting.
In Peru, the Law No. 32270 Approved in 2025, it enabled digital voting for Peruvians abroad, with this technology as a security foundation.
Artificial intelligence in election monitoring:
AI-based tools help identify patterns of disinformation and coordinated attacks on social media.
According to International IDEA (2025), more than 60 electoral authorities in Latin America already use early detection algorithms to track fake news campaigns.
Automation and accessibility:
Electronic voting facilitates the participation of people with disabilities or those living abroad, thanks to inclusive and verifiable interfaces.
In the 2024 elections, Mexico allowed citizens outside the country to cast their votes using an app certified by the National Electoral Institute (INE).
Electoral digitalization is not a fad: it's a natural evolution of the democratic system. But it requires clear rules, open audits, and, above all, an informed citizenry.
Risks that threaten democratic trust
Uncontrolled innovation can become a double-edged sword.
Various experts warn that The role of technology in international elections is not always synonymous with progress.
The main risks include:
- Cyberattacks and data manipulation: Connected systems are vulnerable if they don't have advanced security. In 2023, the European Union reported more than 2,000 hacking attempts targeting electoral infrastructure.
- Digital divide and social exclusion: In rural areas or those with limited internet access, digitalization can marginalize millions of voters, weakening representativeness.
- Lack of technological transparency: Some governments adopt systems without independent audits or publication of source code, raising legitimate suspicions.
- Automated disinformation: Bots and algorithms can distort public opinion, affecting voter freedom before they even get to the polls.
Digital democracy cannot be built on opaque foundations.
Therefore, every modern election should include technology observers and cybersecurity experts on the same level as political observers.
Two recent examples of responsible use of technology
1. Mexico and its vote from abroad
During the 2024 federal elections, Mexico implemented a hybrid system that allowed citizens in more than 80 countries to vote via mobile app or web platforms.
The INE validated the votes with homomorphic cryptography, ensuring that the results were verifiable without revealing the identity of the voters.
This innovation strengthened the participation and confidence of the Mexican electorate abroad.
2. Estonia, pioneer in secure digital voting
Since 2005, Estonia has used online voting supported by digital identity cards.
In the 2023 elections, 51% of its citizens voted online.
Its system combines advanced encryption, strong authentication, and citizen verification using a QR code.
This model demonstrates that digital trust can be strengthened if there is a coherent national strategy.
Global strategies to ensure safe elections
So that The role of technology in international elections be truly constructive, certain essential principles must be met:
to) Independent audits and open source
Review by universities, civil society organizations, and cybersecurity experts is key to legitimizing the results.
Countries like Germany and Canada require pre-audits of any electoral software.
b) Digital citizen education
A sophisticated system is of no use if the population does not understand how to use it.
Digital electoral literacy should be part of state educational programs and information campaigns.
c) Robust cybersecurity infrastructure
Election servers must be isolated, encrypted, and protected against denial-of-service attacks.
A technical error can be as damaging as intentional manipulation.
d) Algorithmic transparency and public oversight
Every technological tool applied in the electoral process, from AI to results transmission platforms, must be explained to the public in clear and verifiable language.
and) Verifiable physical backup
Even with electronic voting, keeping a printed or encrypted digital copy of the votes allows for manual recounts and subsequent audits.
A statistical look
According to data from Statista (2024), around the 38 % countries in the world have incorporated some type of digital technology into their electoral processes.
Of these, only 17 % have specific legislation on technological audits.
This difference shows that innovation advances faster than regulation.
| Global Indicator 2024 | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Countries with partial electronic voting | 23 % |
| Countries with full digital voting | 7 % |
| Countries with technology audit laws | 17 % |
| Countries that still depend solely on paper | 53 % |
The table shows that digitalization is advancing, but still faces challenges of institutional and legal maturity.
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An analogy that helps to understand it
Imagine democracy as a house. Each vote represents a brick that holds it together.
If the foundations of trust, transparency, and security are solid, the structure will withstand any storm.
But if it's built on unaudited software or invisible algorithms, all it takes is one crack to shake the house.
Technology, in this sense, is like cement: it can strengthen the structure or fracture it if mixed carelessly.
Conclusion: trust and technology, a relationship that must mature
Electoral digitalization is not reversible. New generations expect faster, more secure, and more accessible processes, but also more honest ones.
That's why, The role of technology in international elections It must be approached as a global ethical commitment, not as a mere technical update.
The challenge is to balance innovation with credibility, efficiency with human rights, and automation with informed participation.
Institutions have a responsibility to build secure systems, but also to earn citizens' trust every day.
Democracy should not depend on a code, but on the principle that every vote counts and can be verified by the person who casts it.
Read more: Elections around the world in 2025: trends and challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How secure is electronic voting?
It depends on the system's design. Models with blockchain and public audit trails are more reliable than closed ones.
No system is foolproof, but transparency can reduce risks.
2. What are the main technological challenges of the elections?
Cyberattacks, massive disinformation, and a lack of digital education. Added to this are unequal internet access and the slow pace of legislation in the face of technological advancement.
3. Which countries are leading the way in electoral digitalization?
Estonia, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea are among the most advanced in their integration of secure technology and auditable processes.
4. Can artificial intelligence replace human supervision?
No. AI can detect suspicious patterns, but interpretation and validation of results must remain human.
5. How can citizen trust be maintained?
With clear communication, open audits, independent verification, and ongoing civic education.
Trust is not decreed: it is built with visible facts.
In short, The role of technology in international elections It is not just a trend: it is a structural transformation of the democratic exercise.
Its success will depend on the ethics with which it is applied and on the citizen commitment to protecting the most valuable asset of any society: the right to decide.