Tecnología blockchain como mecanismo disruptivo y modernización en los sistemas de control electoral de Ecuador

Angelo Steeven Macías-Mero; Mauricio Alexander Quimiz-Moreira; Kelvin Armando Mero-García

Authors

Macías-Mero Angelo Steeven Universidad Técnica de Manabí. Portoviejo, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5503-4468
Quimiz-Moreira Mauricio Alexander Universidad Técnica de Manabí. Portoviejo, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5430-0215
Mero-García Kelvin Armando Universidad Técnica de Manabí. Portoviejo, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1806-1989

Keywords:

blockchain, voting system, e-voting, traditional electoral system, contributions, challenges

Abstract

National elections, especially in developing countries, were characterized by limitations in the transparency of these processes, leading to trust issues in the results. In response, it became crucial to find tools that could strengthen democracy. Blockchain emerged as an innovative technology with the potential to address these problems. Numerous studies have been conducted on electoral systems based on this technology; however, it has not yet fully solidified as a completely reliable tool. To address this, a review of 43 studies was undertaken with the aim of identifying the factors to consider and the techniques employed to make blockchain functional for voting. Simultaneously, the benefits and disadvantages of implementing this idea in Ecuador were explored. It was found that, while blockchain contributes elements such as voter authentication, anonymity, and information privacy, it presents substantial challenges that could complicate its implementation. These challenges are primarily linked to technological infrastructure, digital divides, and social acceptance. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that a blockchain-based voting system may not currently be applicable in Ecuador. However, there is the possibility of gradually adapting the benefits offered by this tool in future efforts until the desired results are achieved.

Keywords: blockchain, voting system, e-voting, traditional electoral system, contributions, challenges.

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