Evaluation of the I-Voting System for Remote Primary Elections of the Czech Pirate Party

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into political processes represents a pivotal shift in the operational dynamics of political parties, highlighting an evolution from traditional to digital platforms. This transformation offers greater member engagement and decision-making transparency while also introducing new challenges in terms of security and control. This study presents an analytical overview of the Helios voting system as implemented by the Czech Pirate Party, used not only for primary elections, offering a critical examination of its operational framework, security measures, verification processes, and implications for intra-party democracy and member engagement. The Czech Pirate Party's engagement with Helios exemplifies a broader trend toward digitalization within political organizations, reflecting both the potential benefits and inherent challenges of such technological adoption. Drawing on theoretical insights from the literature on political party transformation in the digital age, this article assesses how i-voting systems like Helios can potentially enhance or detract from internal democracy. The discourse around digital platforms is nuanced, revealing opportunities for increased democratic engagement alongside risks of enhanced centralization and control. Empirical data from a survey of the Czech Pirate Party's membership base provides insights into perceptions of the Helios system's usability, security, and its impact on democratic processes within the party. The study further investigates Helios's technical aspects, focusing on its security protocols, verification mechanisms, and governance structures related to data and platform ownership, to understand its implications for electoral integrity and party governance. The research aims to contribute to the dialogue on e-voting platforms, highlighting the need for a careful balance between embracing technological advancements and upholding democratic principles.

Keywords

• e-voting
• remote voting
• internet voting
• czech republic
• primary election
• system evaluation
• helios
• open-source
• standards
• digital party