Gibraltar Introduces Innovative Bespoke Software for Real-Time Election Results
The Government of Gibraltar has unveiled a new bespoke computer software system developed by its Information Technology and Logistics Department (ITLD) that will revolutionize the process of counting and reporting election results. The system aims to speed up the counting process on election night and provide real-time updates to voters.
Under the new system, each counting room will be equipped with three computers, operated by civil servants – a counting officer and two counting clerks. These individuals will enter the data from each ballot electronically, recording the votes for each candidate. Simultaneously, the results will be displayed on large screens in the counting room, allowing observers to follow the progress of the count.
Transparency is a key feature of the new system. The counting officer instructs the clerks on every decision made regarding the ballot papers, eliminating any ambiguity in the process. Additionally, the system is designed to detect and flag any discrepancies between the results entered by the counting officer and the clerks for further validation.
To ensure the integrity of the system, the computers used in each counting room are not connected to the internet or any external network. They are also encased to prevent tampering and air-gapped, including disabling Bluetooth connections. Furthermore, each suite of three computers is interlinked, allowing seamless data transmission, with no risk of cyber interference.
The new software also incorporates modern technological features. Counting officers will scan a QR code linked to each three-PC network throughout the night, recording and updating the results in real-time. This information will be centralized and made available to the public on the Gibraltar Parliament website.
With the introduction of this innovative system, the Gibraltar government aims to streamline the election process and address bottlenecks that were prevalent in the previous manual system. In tests, election personnel were able to log between 180 and 240 votes per hour on each suite, demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the system.
The benefits of the software extend beyond the speed of the count. Voters will now be able to track the progress of the count in real-time once 20% of the ballots have been counted. This live stream of results promises to add an exciting element to election night, enhancing transparency and engagement.
In the event of a close election and the need for a recount, a contingency plan is in place. The ballots will be stored in the Supreme Court, and the recount will be carried out manually on the following day, ensuring the integrity of the process.
The effectiveness and accuracy of the new system have been independently audited by EY. Extensive testing, including running 1000 test ballots and auditing the code behind the software, confirmed a 100% accuracy rate.
The leaders of political parties in Gibraltar have been briefed on the system and shown how it operates. Additionally, the civil servants who will be conducting the count on election night will participate in a dry run to familiarize themselves with the new system.
The introduction of this bespoke software developed in-house by the ITLD is a significant step forward for Gibraltar’s election process. Not only will it expedite the counting of votes, but it will also provide voters with real-time updates and enhance transparency. The successful implementation of this system could serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to modernize their electoral processes.
