The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) will hold a two-day conference and exhibition on election technology at the KICC grounds in Nairobi on 22nd- 23rd Sept., 2012. Over 40 firms dealing with election technology, both local and foreign, have been invited to showcase their innovations to the Commission and the public. Electoral management bodies from East African Community (EAC), professionals in electoral technology, political parties and other interested parties have also been invited to the open forum on election technology. Participants will be expected to interrogate and evaluate the solutions offered by the various vendors and share their findings with IIEC.

The aim of the open day is to expose voters to election technology and give them an opportunity to try out some of the solution on offer. In looking for the appropriate technology, the electoral management body would like to make informed decision based not only on expert advice but also the user experiences. It is apparent that the expanded 2012 general elections, which will require voters to vote for six elective positions in a single session instead of the traditional three, will require a fast and reliable solution.

The appropriate application of technology should increase administrative efficiency, reduce long-term costs and enhance political transparency. Since technology is always designed to solve problems, and elections are not short of problems, technology is therefore first port of call by the Commission.

We would be happy to have the ICT fraternity visiting and sharing with us their views.

Welcome all,

Andrew