E-voting or electronic voting is any voting process where an electronic means is used for votes casting and results counting. Like the SAACS, the NIGCOMSAT RFID Biometric e-voting system is a contact-less card system which presents a novel methodology for an off-line and always-available system that is especially suitable for developing countries such as ours. Its peculiar features include an inherent voter authentication and on-the-spot check of multiple voting without reliance on external communication link or backend database queries as the process are localized using the voter card as a local and mobile database.

The system allows for quick and accurate voting electronically. It uses a client/server architecture which allows voters to cast ballots on the client terminal. Each client interfaces with the server, which keeps track of the entire system. The process involves registration, verification, authentication, voting and tallying. The intended voter has a registered smartcard with his or her bio-data, fingerprint and photograph printed on it. A database is also accessible to an electoral official, local and international observer and the entire public by simply visiting the domain site of the electoral body. The smartcard automatically becomes invalid once a vote is cast and the voter is given a receipt or counterfoil of whom he voted for, time of vote and where the vote was cast.

With the e-voting system, results are available real-time via the internet. Observers and voters can also view the real-time election results from their homes, offices or anywhere in the world using web-enabled devices such as PC, laptops, phones or iPAD by simply logging onto the designated website.

Another benefit of this e-voting system is the speed in which results can be obtained because results are accurately tabulated almost instantaneously. It reduces the risk of human and mechanical error and movement restriction. The entire system, developed indigenously, brings electoral fraud to the barest minimum as it will eliminate multiple registrations and upholds the “one voter one vote” paradigm.

This made-in-Nigeria e-voting system is not only comprehensive but cost effective and highly secured as it minimizes election malpractice. It is open to evolution and adaptability and because of its user-friendliness and simplicity. NIGCOMSAT owns the software propriety but can license the software for use for every election.

This e-voting was recently successfully tested by the NIGCOMSAT Cooperative and Multipurpose Society (NCMS) during the election of its executive officials.