Blockchain For Elections: Advantages, Cases, Challenges

It is in politics, and especially elections where there is a buzz building about the positive influence blockchain technology can bring to the ballot boxes.

Elections have been subject to scrutiny and corruption for so long that many in the tech space, as well as electoral committees are viewing blockchain as the future of fair elections.

There have been some use-cases already where blockchain has come to the aid of elections.

The ball is only starting to get rolling as across the globe digital ballots and blockchain elections make great strides.

From Sierra Leone to VirginiaOn March 7, it was reported as an apparent world-first that Sierra Leone has employed blockchain technology in tallying its presidential elections - according to Agora CEO Leonardo Gammar.

Despite the furore, the fact remained that blockchain elections were starting to surface, and there appeared to be interest in the possibility of organizations as big as national governments turning to the technology for their possible use.

What does blockchain offer?The interest in blockchain technology taking over from traditional election methods has potential advantages due to the big technological upgrade from how elections are currently held.

"The two governments I have discussed general elections on the blockchain with - one said it is interesting but they do not want to be the first" Naamani added.

Arafath sees the blockchain transcending simple use-cases such as voting and elections, and rather becoming a 'foundational element'.

Blockchain's growth and sophistication in spaces such as finance and elections would lead to a global blockchain infrastructure being laid down.