Debate over Online Voting Intensifies Following Long Queues at South African Polling Stations

Following the long queues and extended voting hours experienced by South African citizens at polling stations during the recent elections, a heated debate has emerged regarding the potential implementation of online voting for future electoral processes.

The scenes of lengthy queues snaking around the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in Johannesburg were widely shared on social media as voters faced hours of waiting before being able to cast their ballots on election day.

While some suggested the idea of extending the voting deadline beyond the initial 9pm cut-off and even potentially considering a second day of voting, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and various political parties reached a consensus that such measures were unnecessary.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, confirmed that the commission had never entertained the notion of a two-day election, assuring parties that individuals in queue at 9pm would still have the opportunity to vote.

Despite the appeal of the convenience and accessibility of online voting, concerns have been raised about the security and compatibility of IEC systems to prevent potential vote-rigging and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.