Commentary & Public Discourse

Ideas beyond
academia.

Public commentary on democracy, digital governance, electoral technology, and the institutions shaping African societies.

Selected commentary2024 — 2026

Selected perspectives

01

Elections & Democracy · 2026

South Africa’s Youth Uncertain About Voting in the Upcoming Local Government Elections

Local Government Bulletin

An examination of youth voting intentions and the challenges facing democratic participation ahead of local government elections.

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02

Digital Democracy · 2024

Digital Democracy in South Africa: Why E-voting Won’t Be Easy

Democracy in Africa

A perspective on the institutional, technological, and democratic challenges involved in introducing electronic voting.

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03

Electoral Technology · 2024

Could Failure of Voter Management Devices Jeopardise Introduction of E-voting in SA?

News24

An analysis of voter management device failures and the questions they raise about the readiness of electoral systems for further digitalisation.

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04

Technology & Society · 2024

Digital Voting Technology and Social Media Can Be a Force for Good — and Bad

The Conversation

A look at how digital technologies and social media can influence democratic participation and public discourse.

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05

Elections & Governance · 2024

Is South Africa Ready for Electronic Voting?

Mail & Guardian

A discussion of the opportunities and challenges South Africa faces when considering electronic voting.

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