The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is currently hosting a three-day conference on electronic voting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
While the event highlights the potential of e-voting, discussions around security risks and accessibility challenges dominate the agenda.
South Africa ranks third in the world for cybersecurity losses, with an estimated $2.2 billion lost annually, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).
As the country explores digital advancements in its electoral processes, cybersecurity concerns remain a pressing issue.
Cybersecurity and Public Trust
“We must prioritize the development of secure and transparent e-voting systems that can withstand sophisticated cyber threats,” said Terry Tselane, Executive Chair of the IEC, in an interview with SABC.
“Public trust is paramount, and any perceived vulnerability could undermine the legitimacy of our elections.”
Public trust in digital security remains low. A 2024 study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed that 32% of government employees lack basic cybersecurity knowledge.
Additionally, 63% of cybersecurity job vacancies remain unfilled, raising serious concerns about the country’s readiness for a digital voting system.
Accessibility Challenges
Beyond security risks, digital accessibility remains a major challenge. The IEC has assured the public that any transition to e-voting will be approached with caution.
They have confirmed that electronic voting will not be introduced in the 2026 local government elections or the 2029 national polls.
Declining Voter Turnout
South Africa is witnessing a worrying decline in voter participation.
In the last election, 27.7 million people registered to vote, but only 16.2 million cast their ballots—a sharp 45% drop compared to the 86% voter turnout recorded in 1994.
As South Africa navigates its path toward digital transformation, it must address both cybersecurity risks and public trust to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral system.
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