Electronic voting (e-voting) could be introduced in Moldova at the next legislative elections already. According to experts, the implementation of this conception will enable the voters from abroad or those who are confined to bed and cannot go to polling places to exercise their right to vote. A study concerning the introduction of e-voting was presented by the Central Election Commission (CEC) on June 28. The study was carried out with the assistance of UNDP, IPN reports.

Former CEC chairman and incumbent member of the Commission Iurie Ciocan said that a legislative basis is needed for putting this conception into practice. “In the presidential elections of this autumn, this voting exercise would be of maximal topicality for the voters from outside the country, but we will be unable to implement an electronic instrument by then, even as a pilot project. We aim to achieve this objective by the 2018 legislative elections,” he stated.

UNDP international consultant Jonas Udris said that now the people can lose even several hours to exercise the right to vote. When electronic voting is introduced, voting will be possible in several minutes. The voter will need an electronic signature or will have to register beforehand so as to obtain data of access to the website where to vote. Those who will choose e-voting will be able to vote several days before the election day. Before the vote is confirmed, the voters will be able to change their option, until the election day.

The consultant said statistics show that the number of voting persons abroad increases by each election. But those from the diaspora often invoke such reasons as the too long distance up to the electoral offices opened in the country where they are or other motives that prevent them from voting. The implementation of electronic voting will help solve these problems.

The expert also said that electronic voting is an alternative to the traditional voting system. Distance voting will enhance the accessibility of electoral processes, will reduce the costs associated with the organization of the elections and will increase the participation rate among the Moldovan voters who live abroad, among young people and persons with special needs.