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Electronic vote counting system is not safe, statements


https://www.ipn.md/index.php/en/electronic-vote-counting-system-is-not-safe-statements-7978_1015788.html

The electronic vote counting system that is to be used in the November 30 parliamentary elections is not safe and can be subject to a cyber attack. Such statements were made in the program “Place for dialogue” on the public station Radio Moldova, IPN reports.

Political commentator Roman Mihaes said he was categorically for the classical vote counting system and against the electronic one. He gave as example the constitutional referendum of 2010, when the electronic vote counting system used in several settlements was subject to a cyber attack. “The electronic register of voters is one thing, but the electronic vote counting system is another thing. We have a small country and practically do not have what to count. There is a risk that if the pro-Russian parties lose the elections, the electronic vote counting system will be subject to a cyber attack,” stated Mihaes.

Former deputy head of the Security and Information Service Valentin Dediu said that neither the Government’s Electronic Governance Center that is designed to ensure the security of the exchange of data between institutions, including the Central Election Commission, is safe. “Some of the representatives of the state, who use the services of this Center, access different websites, use unverified software or purchase computers from private individuals. Thus, this system becomes very vulnerable and can be anytime hacked,” he stated.

Former presidential adviser Valeriu Renita said there should be used the classical vote counting system. “The voters, politicians and civil society never complained about this system. Almost all the votes are counted in about two hours and the people towards midnight already know who won the elections. Why should this tested system be replaced with an electronic one that is not safe?” he asked.