Challenges in Implementing Electronic Voting (e-voting) in Pakistan

Abstract

Implementing electronic voting (e-voting) within Pakistan faces multiple barriers from various technical, social, and institutional components. This research bases its approach on the interpretive research paradigm to study e-voting adoption barriers using thematic analysis on 30 expert interviews. Eight dominant conceptual groupings from the collected data identified the main challenges people faced during this transitional phase. The scarcity of resources and inadequate infrastructure barriers impede mainly those communities that remain underdeveloped in rural areas. Implementing e-voting remains difficult since inconsistent electrical supply and inadequate internet connectivity function as environmental barriers. Data security vulnerabilities and suspected cyber threats make substantial security risks the most significant impediment regarding the electronic voting system. The system fails to gain trust because it requires a set of institutions to regulate it properly. High operational costs and financial expenses limit the feasibility of adopting e-voting systems for investment. The absence of relevant social group consultation during decision-making processes creates a social group exclusion in the decision-making process. The general public resists new technology systems because they do not understand technical matters sufficiently. Before elections, the implementation process requires strict time constraints from e-voting systems, which generate added pressure on this complex procedure. E-voting adoption in Pakistan needs secure system development, ability-building among stakeholders, and broad involvement of affected parties to implement modern voting technology successfully. This research confirms that Pakistan requires extensive strategies to bring e-voting systems because existing problems need specific solutions beforehand.