ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTING E- VOTING IN THE

Transcription

1 Azra Asghar Ali Javaid Akhtar Bushra Zahra Basit Habib ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTING E- VOTING IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM OF PAKISTAN Abstract In this paper, the proposal of E-voting system is discussed by using finger print recognition (biometrics) in the electoral system of Pakistan. The proposal of E-voting system shows that how the voters fingerprints will be scanned and matched with the saved image within the database extracted from the information of his/her NIC. It is also mentioned about the traditional electoral voting procedure and its flaws of why E-Voting should replaces the existing system.in E- voting the casted vote will be updated immediately by which a transparent election can be conducted. Introduction Election is a primary factor to develop and sustain democracy.election provides a meaningful stimulation for the advancement of democracy. For selecting true representatives in the Government it is important to maintain legitimacy upon political order. By this, the risk of conflict will be less and will lead to a true leadership. In democratization process, Election play a vital role in development and stability of the nation.however to ensure a free, fair and transparent election, Pakistan has some challenges to face In Pakistan, the Electoral system being used is the Majoritarian or First-past-the-post (FPTP) system at national, provincial and local body government level. The traditional voting system is manual where the voter cast their votes to choose their selected candidate. The ballots are in sealed boxes in voting room. At the end,votes are compiled manually.however it is not necessary for the registered vote fingerprints to tally with saved NIC by the official machine.there are many flaws of this traditional voting system in Pakistan. Firstly, the traditional voting system is a time consuming process. There is also a possibility of counting errors and printing a ballot paper is also costly.some candidate also try to buy the voter s vote in order to win.to maintain a proper check and balance in polling station is a difficult task that some voters may have voted twice. Sometimes corruption in the ballot paper and ink can also be done. 245

2 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, 2014 Most of the educated people hesitate to cast their vote due to issues of rigging. Hence the electoral corruption in politics increases the risk to fulfill the demands of true democracy, stability, development of the country. Background We are unable to view Pakistan as stabilized democratic country. Pakistan had 10 general elections ( ) that were held in December 1970, March 1977, February 1985, November 1988, November 1990, October 1993, February 1997, October 2002, February 2008 and May 2013.These Elections demonstrated that these never ending political crisis in Pakistan, is the cause of electoral corruption. The first general election at the federal level for national assembly were held on December, 1970 and are elected directly by public voting on first-past-the-post system through a secret ballot. The second General elections of 1977 were held for Senate and National Assembly on party basis. Due to issues in elections resulted in violence, civil disobedience and massive protests by political parties. General party less elections were held in Pakistan on 28 February 1985 in form of indirect elections because National and Provincial assemblies were elected by electoral-college consisting the elected members of Basic Democracy( BD).The short time period of this election was the failure of this electoral system. After the legislative election of 1990,based on separate electorate and majority type of electoral system, the same political issues rose as in 1988.Another legislative election held in october1993 with majority type of electoral system but in the election the same story repeated in this election with charges of corruption and violation of constitution as a result of this election.the 1997 election was the fourth general election and majority type of electoral system was used in this system, but this election was not sustainable as all governments were removed by the support of army chief.the general election held in feb.2008 on basis of joint electorate and majority type of electoral system. The electoral rigging and political-related violence were seen as a result.the recent election held in Pakistan on May 2013 on party basis. There were more violence incidents during the election; also there was a wide number of complaints that have been registered in the election commission of Pakistan. The contemporary voting system used in Pakistan facilitates corruption and rigging because whole system is manual so therefore no proper check and balance can be maintained. 246

3 Analysis of implementing E- voting in the electoral system of Pakistan Procedural Diagram of E-voting system VOTER CAST VOTE DATA BASE DATA OF NADRA FINGER SCAN SUBMIT DATA BASE FAKE ENTRY Fig.1: Diagrammatical Road Map of E Voting Procedure. As every above 18 years old, the person will be eligible for NIC and have right to vote so, the voter will be verify by NADRA through NIC. This technique is designed by correlation. 1. Analysis of E-Voting System with Factors of Quality Models: 1.1. What is a Software Quality Model? A quality model is a set of Factors and their Criterion. The main idea of a quality model is to show such attributes which can make a system work properly in all manners, if implemented. A Quality model is based a set of factors and these factors are based on a set of different criterions What is a Factor? In a quality model the factor or set of factors (as a quality model is based on a set of factors), when implemented on any problem statement or system they analyze the skeleton structure from head to toe which shows the positioning of steps of a project or work to be done. If the steps are properly merged into the bone then the skeleton becomes more and more strong 1.3. What is criterion? Criterion is the sub sets of a factor. They are the joints of the bones (factors) which show how the step of a project or work can show the full implementation of a problem statement and its fully functionality. DROP 247

4 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, Brief History of Quality Models A chronological order will be observed in the following discussion. We will restrict ourselves to the literature related to following four models as Software Quality Engineering Society recognizes only those[1],[4],[6]. McCall s Quality Model. Boehm s Quality Model. Dromey s Quality Model. ISO/IEC 9126 Quality Model 2.1. McCall s Quality Model In a technical report McCall et al. (1977) introduced a hierarchical definition of factors affecting quality and proper working of a problem statement. The definition was comprehensive to cover wide range of development phases and was able to split oriented and non-oriented characteristics. This model is considered as the most influential one. Fig.2 : McCall s Quality Model with Factors and Criterion 2.2. Boehm s Quality Model Boehm s model defines the quality of a problem statement in quantitative terms by means of set of predefined attributes and metrics. He defined three-level hierarchy namely high, intermediate and primitive with tree, seven and twenty-three (fifteen distinct) characteristics respectively. These characteristics collectively contribute to the overall quality level 248

5 Analysis of implementing E- voting in the electoral system of Pakistan Fig.3: Bohem s Quality Model with Factors and Criterion 2.3. Dromey Quality Model Dromey presented a different type of model which emphasizes that it is impossible to build high-level quality attributes like reliability or maintainability into a product, rather developers may build properties that are helpful in achieving the quality targets. The distinguishes the model from other models by verifying that it allows the quality required to be achieved but the successful application of the Dromey s model requires that the various groups involved in the implementation must agree on what quality attributes should be achieved and to what level. Fig.4 : Dromeys Quality Model with Factors and Criterion 249

6 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, ISO/IEC 9126 Standard ISO/IEC 9126 is an international standard, given by International Standard Organization (ISO) and International Electro technical Engineering to manage quality of products including those products whose failure may be detrimental to lives. It provides an allinclusive specification and evaluation model for the quality of implementation of a product or problem statement in all working aspects. These metrics are used to measure the application of static and running position of implemented problem through quality Factors.. Fig.5 : McCall s Quality Model with Factors and Criterion 3. Explaining the Feasibility of E- Voting System on the Basis of Factors of Quality Models 3.1. Integrity The ability to detect, correct and response all errors or the extent under which the illegal access to data or program can be controlled.the integrity ensures that the data cannot be altered illegally and access control that can be designed to prevent against this happening. Integrity deal with control of entering inaccurate data by detecting it if it happened. In E-voting system,the highest possibility is seen that electronic results cannot be altered illegally.only designated operators have access to check and balance this system rather than in the hand of competitive party representatives.so authentication of this system is possible.this system is properly investigated under the stored data. In E-voting system there may be different type of control i.e data preparation control, data save control, validation check control, data base control, file control etc. In this system some validation rules will apply to input and update data hence the proper investigation of voter will possible. 250

7 Analysis of implementing E- voting in the electoral system of Pakistan 3.2. Usability The effort to learn and handle a product or the extent to which proposed function is meaningful and minimum chances of human error and proper functionality can be achieved.usability may be defined as the extent to which a product can be used by specified user to achieve specified goal effectively. The E-voting system will give training of both staff and voters about this system that how it will be operated. User generally will have trained about how to manage this system,input data,gain output and normally keep the system running.this technique will be user friendly. Recently, the biometric verification of Sim in Pakistan is the outstanding example about the feasilbity of this system through this all the sims that were activated through ID card of sim owner are reverified biometrically that the owner fingerprints will be verified with their ID card saved in NADRA hence sim will be biometrically registered.this technique have been successfully implemented.this example provide a strong reference for support of E-voting system.this system will not operate with human intervention.the voter can seek to learn easily about usage of this system.only authenticated user have command to manage it Correctness The extent to which the required task can be done properly or the extent to which a program fulfill its specification. In E-voting system, the system will easily search the desired record of the voter.every individual will be identified uniquely with least failure. The thumb impression will match with already saved data of the voter s NIC in NADRA. So after casting the vote it will give output easily and fast. The output information will soon be updated. This system will accurately extract the biometric features.the election results were seen early as compared to traditional methods of voting.hence the stability of this system is maximum. No error of calculation will take place.this system full doing the process of registration of vote without any interval Reliability The capacity that persistently perform their function and not fail to work during the processing of the system or the quality of product that how much continue to perform their expected role within a period of time to predefined condition. Reliability may be calculated between the failure time, repair time, recover time, possibility of failure 251

8 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, 2014 and availability of this system. In E Voting system when vote will be casted, then this system will fulfill the registration or recognition process. As the biometric features of every individual will be same as in saved database so every valid vote will be match able. This system will not allow the rejection chances of valid vote. High and reliable security can be achieved.this system will minimize the chances of error during calculation. For allowing the voter to cast a vote,the electronic ballot will be able to reset for the same process of next voter Efficiency The quality of being efficient and able to attain something with minimum cost of time,efforts and competency in performance.in deal to perform all the functions of the software system in accordance to all other requirements,efficiency requirements deal with hardware resource. The computer resource (time or external storage)need for a program to fulfill its function. The E-voting system will ensure about the process of data with accordance to the saved information and to preserve the maintained data and detect fraud.this system will efficiently use the saved data base to confirm the voters identity.this technique will actively perform the storage of records with least memory space and give the output results as early as compared to the traditional method 3.6. Maintainability The cost of localizing and correct error or the Quality of design which determine the possibilty that failed equipments, system or machine can be restored to its normal operable state within timeframe using prescribed procedure. The E-voting system of voting is easy and understand for anyone.everyone can be aware about the use of this system (i.e to scan fingerprints ) and responsive to act.this will have their own memory and space.in case of software error this system will ability to correct the failure and will verify the success of correction.different controlling protocol i.e for input the data,for processing the data,for verification of data which are separately perform their task are recombined to assemble the output Functionality The capable of operating or functioning in all area of application is called functionality.or the quality of being suited to serve a practically purpose/task well. 252

9 Analysis of implementing E- voting in the electoral system of Pakistan In this system voter my not be able to vote at once.this system will easily access the feasibility of fingerprints recognition to identify unkhown. This system will minimize the error and defects. This system will easily manage the records and will successfully implemented.anyone will not be able to gain voting results before tallying.vote will be fairly counted.any rejected vote will not be counted Testability It deals with testing of information system as well as with its operation.the cost of program in order to meet the purposes of security through specific requirements. This process is done through specific testing tools for this purpose within the minimum cost. In E-voting system by prescribing pre saved image of fingerprints of NIC help the tester to gain the output.this system also capable that different component of software which may doing separately will recombined to collect the results.this system will reject the double or illegal vote.anyone can not interpret the results for their own purpose. In return of bribe,no voter will be able to cast a vote with the name of other Reusability The capacity of being used again and repeatedly or the cost of transferring a program for another purpose. One benefit of this factor is that once the system is tested and apply it can be used accurately with confidence.no need of testing again. The procedure of the E-voting system will be simple and easy to response. This technique will cost as well as time effective and will be successfully implemented.this system will have their own software and machine. The hardware and software will use independently in this system Interoperability The cost of connecting the two products with one another. Ability of system to work with other system and use the part and equipments of another system. This is a development technique that encourage the product development in a manner that to interact with other product. In the e-voting system as the data commonality attribute fingerprints both in NIC and registered vote will be match able so the 253

10 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, 2014 biometric system will ensured the development and coding will well documented for further use.this system will be user friendly and easily communicated the procedure Human Engineering It is power, accessibility, integrity and performance of involved human. It coordinate the design of devices, system and physical working condition with capacities and requirements of the worker. In E-voting system every eligible voter have approach to cast a vote.in case of non eligible voter.the system will fail to accept the vote. On this system not more than one time voter can cast a vote. Everyone will understand the language beyond the defined level. Free access will not be available for user. Ever voter privacy and the vote will be recorded Flexibility The ability of system of being modified. It is linked with adaptability i.e being able to change or reconfigure the user interface to suit user preference. The E-voting system will support the perfective maintenance activities and will encompass the addition if requires with time. This system will free of illegal restriction. Data are counted easily as the data are in form of digital nature so the minimum error in counting will occur.this system will completely remove the irregularities and undisciplined and disruptive condition from the Internet Portability Ability of being easily carried or moved (transferability ). Portability is the tool of writing software to run on one operating system or hardware configuration while being conscious of how it might be refined with minimum effort to run on other operating system and hardware platform as well. In E-voting system one phase of program will easily transfer to another phase to complete the verification and registration process.the software will easily installed and replaced.this system will ensure that the result will not be changed illegally through given standards the verification of every voter will check.this system will have potential to successfully replaced the traditional system of voting.the software used in this process will only installed or run in specific 254

11 Analysis of implementing E- voting in the electoral system of Pakistan prescribe condition Modifiability Capacity of being modified or varied with respect to condition. This is a strategy of any program that if some changes were apply on this then this program have capabilities to adapt this changes or modified successfully. Generally this strategy is used to fulfill the weaknesses, correct the defects and to improve the performance. The biometric system will be replaced with respect to minimize error, improve work efficiency and also adapt to change or additional features with respect to time requirements or present day need. While during voting process, the software s are through correlation technique will be able to coexist, sharing common biometric features under the same condition by following the strict standards Understandability Capacity of being understand or being comprehensible or the capable of understanding ability for act and responsive behavior upon the given strategy. In E-voting system, the voting process /procedure will be short and comprehensive to the voter. The voter will not wait too much time in doing official formalities on paper as in traditional system.this system minimize time of being consumed.the voting pattern is clear and enough to understand. Free access about the information of vote of voter will not be available for the any competitive representatives and not any other.the calculation process will be done in minimum time period. Only eligible voter s vote will have value and that vote will be further counted while illegible vote will drop and not entered in counting process. Hence this system will well design and highest possibility chances about the implementation of this system. 4. Challenges and problem when applying biometric system This system require inter communication online source i.e Internet.One of the challenge is that in rural areas there may be lack of Internet bandwidth that may become a hindrance in successful implementation of this system.one of the another challenge is that hardware of this system may be highly affected by the climate (heat, humidity, rain).climate may adversely affect the equipments especially when the facility of storage is not satisfactory i.e when the extreme condition may not permit registration due to specific reason. For the 255

12 JRSP, Vol. 51, No. 2, July-December, 2014 purpose of compression of fingerprints the software which is used,depend highly on weather condition will become an obstacle carried out on election. As each of hardware may have come from different manufacture hence the interoperability of the entire system may become a challenge about the application of this system. In some rigid areas of Pakistan,women in societies are considered inappropriate to capture her fingerprints Conclusion In our research we have discussed about the present voting systems weaknesses and drawbacks that in future if we rely on this system then the present need of true democracy may not be achieved. To encounter the present voting issues proposal of E-voting system is discussed.however prematurely it is uncertain to give insurance about the proper implementation of this system. Yet as in Pakistan this system is not implemented. But theoretically it was observed that E- voting system provide a solution for rigging,security,privacy and eligibility issues of voting in Pakistan and will ensure the fair and transparent election.but the recent practice of biometric verification of sim have been successful implemented in Pakistan.so there is a highest possibility that this E-voting system will be fully functional hence to meet the future demands of voting in Pakistan,E-voting system is useful technique. References Khasawneh, M. et al. (2008) A Biometric-Secure e-voting System for Election Processes, Newyork: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)PP Baig, S.(2011) Electronic Voting System Using fingerprints matching with Gabor filter, Islamabad:International Bhurban conference on Applied Science & Technology, pp.6.. Habib,B. and J. Akhtar, (2014) Computational Representative Techniques of Software Engineering For Social Sciences, Multan:Pakistan Journal of Social Science(PJSS),pp Dixit, P.V.et al,(2015) A Biometric-Secure E-Voting System For Election Process, Indapur:International Journel of Advanced Engineering and Global Technology,pp Basit Habib and Rana Aamir Raza Ashfaq. Article: Relationship between Factors of Quality Models and the System Development Life Cycle. International Journal of Computer Applications 81(10):39-44, November