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A Brief Analytical Note

and

Epilogue

he task of looking at the electoral systems of 106  14 countries have adopted electronic voting
Tcountries, howsoever limited or precise it may be, is whether by means of EVM’s or internet or other
gigantic in dimensions. Gigantic because you have to ac- means of e-vote. Other countries have paper
cess, study, and analyze a vast amount of literature along ballots and ballot boxes in use. One of the
with the up-to-date data bases in order to develop a pre- remarkable practices noted is voting by glass
sentation for supporting larger understanding, multi-di- tokens to address the challenge of low levels of
mensional interaction and sustainable dialogue among literacy.
the members in the context of the goals set forth under
mission and vision of the A-WEB.  Most of the EMB’s have maintained the
electoral cycle and held elections on time. Some
The journey through the realm of electoral systems in countries face challenges.
106 countries of the world presents a very interesting pic-
ture in which the fabric of democracy runs through in a  Voter turnout varies across the countries, some
robust manner. This fabric of democracy is characterized have compulsory voting.
by regular and periodic elections and continued endeavor
for democratic consolidation through free, fair, credible  Some countries are yet in the process of
and inclusive elections despite many complex issues and achieving universal adult suffrage.
challenges.
 Different countries have Innovation, new
This document ‘Brief Profiles of Countries, EMB’s and initiatives, adoption of technology and ‘Best
Partner Organizations of A-WEB’ is based on a set of Practices’ to share.
certain critical parameters relating to electoral system
and the country profile. The parameters, though small in EPILOGUE
number, are both significant and relevant. A comparative
analysis of the profiles so developed helps us in drawing More inferences on the above lines can be drawn through
following broad inferences as presented below: detailed analysis. However, it would be prudent to devel-
op and define a comprehensive framework with definitive
 95 countries have EMB’s with ‘independent’ set of parameters through structured interaction among
status. 7 have mixed system and 4 have state member countries. A need based framework for such de-
election departments that manage elections. tailed study and analysis to address the specific issues
and challenges will be more purposeful, objective and
 37 countries have adopted biometric voter helpful in terms of goals set forth in mission and vision
registration system. of A-WEB. In this background, some of the areas which
need consideration are as follows:
 Number of electors registered vis-à-vis total
population in some countries reflects a very  Maintenance of Rolls: Biometric Registration,
wide gap. VAP, VEP and the actual registration and gap

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