A comprehensive blockchain-based election voting system is being developed by Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), a unit of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2 months ago, the national 9-day election (from November 1st to 9th, 2018) was a memorable event for Thai people. On these days, they did not have to go out to vote for their leaders. Instead, Thailand’s Democrat Party held a live e-voting system, backed by blockchain technology for the people to cast their votes. An election went well, resulted in former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva winning his party nomination with 67,505 votes.

Knowing blockchain can make huge impacts on the election voting process, Chalee Vorakulpipat, head of the cybersecurity laboratory at NECTEC, was quoted as saying in the report:

“Nectec developed blockchain technology for e-voting that can be applied to national, provincial or community elections, as well as business votes such as the board of directors. The goal is to reduce fraud and maintain data integrity.”

Testing the Blockchain Voting System

Currently, the system is at the testing stage. The agency is applying the blockchain into elections in education institutes, provinces and communities. They are still looking for partners who willing to experience the system.

For large-scale implementation, the agency will require more time. Emphasizing the importance of accuracy in general elections, Vorakulpipat said in the report:

“Every voter needs to have an affordable mobile internet connection and identity verification”

E-Voting System Around the World

Aiming to improve voting processes, many governments have been exploring the blockchain technology.

Last November, South Korea officials opened up that they are testing a blockchain system which aims to improve the reliability and security of online voting.

Also, West Virginia ran a blockchain test in the federal general election for military and other Americans living abroad. The state used the mobile app developed by blockchain startup Voatz.  This app will verify voters’ identities using facial recognition technology by comparing it to other photo ID that might have been uploaded on it during voter’s registration.

In August, the government of Japanese city Tsukuba tested a blockchain-based system that allows residents cast votes to decide on local development programs.