By Ms Monn

FOR generations, the foundation of democracy in Myanmar has been the paper-based voting system. Citizens go to their local polling station, receive a physical ballot, and mark their choice in a private booth before placing it into a sealed box. This method, while familiar, involves a lengthy and manual process for both voting and counting. Today, we stand at the beginning of a new chapter. To modernize our elections and strengthen our democratic process, the Union Election Commission has announced a significant change: the upcoming election will introduce electronic voting, or e-voting.

This shift to digital technology marks a major step forward for our nation. Now, my text is designed to guide you through this change. It will explain clearly how e-voting works, address common questions, and demonstrate the security measures in place. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to feel confident and assured, ensuring that every voter can trust that their voice will be heard and their vote will be counted accurately and securely in this new system.

What is e-voting?

Electronic voting, or e-voting, is a modern way to cast your vote using technology instead of paper. For the upcoming election in Myanmar, this will mean using a secure Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at your local polling station. Instead of marking a paper ballot, you will make your selection on a machine, which then records it electronically. This method is different from online voting over the internet, which is not being introduced now. The goal is to make voting simpler and counting faster and more accurate. This system is not new; it is trusted worldwide. Countries with large populations, like India and Brazil, have used EVMs for years to run smooth elections. By adopting this proven technology, Myanmar aims to strengthen its electoral process, ensuring every vote is counted securely and accurately, just as before, but with greater speed and efficiency.

Why e-voting matters for Myanmar

The shift to eVoting is a significant step forward for our nation. First, it modernizes our electoral process, bringing Myanmar in line with global technological advancements. This update is crucial for making voting more accessible and efficient. For voters, it can simplify the process, reducing the chance of errors and shortening waiting times at polling stations. For the nation, it means results can be counted and announced with unprecedented speed. Most importantly, eVoting has the potential to greatly enhance transparency and public trust in election results.

The electronic system minimizes human error in counting and provides a clear, digital record, making the process less open to manipulation. By ensuring that every vote is accurately recorded and counted, this new system can strengthen the foundation of our democracy and give the people of Myanmar greater confidence in the integrity of their elections.

Benefits of e-voting

The introduction of e-voting brings several important benefits to Myanmar. Firstly, it allows for faster vote counting and result announcement. Unlike manual counting, which can take days, electronic tallying can be completed in hours, providing quicker clarity. This technology also offers convenience for voters, particularly those in remote areas, as portable machines can make voting more accessible. A key advantage is improved security and fraud prevention; with proper safeguards like encryption, eVoting can make ballots tamper-proof, strengthening the result’s integrity.

Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly by significantly reducing paper usage for ballots. Finally, eVoting leads to reduced human error in vote tallying. The machine accurately records each vote as it is cast, eliminating mistakes that can happen during manual counting. Together, these benefits create a more modern, efficient, and trustworthy electoral system for everyone.

Addressing common voter concerns

We understand that any change can bring questions. It is normal and responsible to ask how this new system will protect your vote. Let’s address some common concerns directly.

“Will my vote still be secret?”

Yes. The electronic voting machine is designed to protect your privacy completely. It does not record any personal information that links you to your vote. The process is as anonymous as walking into a private booth. The machine only records the choice itself, not who made it.

“What if I make a mistake on the machine?”

The system is built to be user-friendly and includes a “review” step. Before you finally cast your vote, the screen will clearly show your choices for you to confirm. If you see an error, you can easily go back and correct it. This ensures your vote reflects your true intent.

“How do we know the machines are working correctly?”

Every EVM undergoes rigorous testing before Election Day by election officials and in the presence of political party representatives. After the polls close, a mandatory verification process takes place. A sample of machines will have their electronic results cross-checked with a printed paper record (if available) or a manual audit to ensure the count is perfect. This multi-layered check ensures the machines are accurate and reliable.

A step-by-step guide to e-voting on election day

Knowing what to expect can make you feel confident. Here is a simple guide to what voting will look like:

Identification and Verification: As always, you will go to your assigned polling station. An election official will check your identity and voter registration details. Receiving Your Access: Once verified, you will be directed to an available Electronic Voting Machine.

Making Your Choice: The machine’s screen will clearly list the candidates and their symbols. You will tap the screen next to your chosen candidate. The selection will be highlighted.

Confirming Your Vote: The machine will show you a summary screen to review your choice. This is your chance to make sure it is correct.

Casting Your Vote: Once you are sure, you will press the “CAST VOTE” button. Your vote is now securely and permanently recorded inside the machine. You will hear a confirmation beep or see a thank-you message.

Completing the Process: After casting your vote, the machine will reset for the next voter. You can then leave the polling station, having completed your civic duty.

The future is secure: Safeguarding your vote

Security is the highest priority in the design of the eVoting system. The Union Election Commission is implementing multiple layers of protection to guarantee that the election results are a true reflection of the people’s will.

Physical Security: The voting machines are stored in highly secure locations before and after the election. Seals and strict chain-of-custody protocols are used so that any attempt to tamper with them would be immediately detected.

Digital Security: The software inside the machines is certified and sealed. They are not connected to the internet or any external network during the election, making them immune to online hacking. Each machine is a standalone, secure unit.

Transparency and Observation: The entire process, from the testing of machines to the counting of votes, will be open for observation by political party agents and independent observers. This transparency is key to building public trust.

Your Role in a Modern Election

The success of this new system depends not just on technology, but on you, the voter. Your willingness to learn and adapt is what will make Myanmar’s democracy stronger. You are encouraged to attend any public demonstrations or information sessions held by the Election Commission to try the machine for yourself. Ask questions and read the informational materials provided. An informed voter is a confident voter.

Embracing a New Era for Democracy

The journey from the paper ballot to the electronic vote is a natural evolution for a nation moving forward. It is a change that honours the past principle of one person, one vote, while embracing the future’s tools for greater efficiency, accuracy, and trust. This transition is about more than just speed; it is about strengthening the very voice of the people. By understanding the process and the robust safeguards in place, every voter in Myanmar can participate with confidence, knowing that their vote will be counted as cast. Together, we are building a more resilient and transparent electoral system for generations to come.