Design And Implementation of Cost Effective SMS-Based Online Voting System for Credible election in Nigeria

Abstract

The process of voting involves a group, such as an electorate or assembly, coming together to reach a consensus or express an opinion, typically after discussions, debates, or election campaigns. Utilizing a manual method of voting can lead to numerous electoral malpractices and challenges. These may include violent attacks on voters, manipulation of results, vote purchasing, inaccessibility of polling locations, and so forth. These are sufficient reasons that have necessitated the design and implementation of an SMS-based Online Voting System (SBOVS) that effectively addresses most of these issues. It offers a solution for achieving transparent, fair, and trustworthy elections in countries such as Nigeria, as well as in schools and organizations. The motive behind this work is to enable Nigerians to cast their votes without fear of violence and rigging. It aims to use technology, to be specific SMS, to proffer solutions to our electoral challenges. In this system, voters are to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice in the comfort of their homes, by typing their PVC numbers, state of residence, LGA of residence, post, and party to be voted for and sending it as SMS to a particular number using either of the two registered numbers (i.e. one of the two phone numbers registered along with the voter’s data during PVC registration). The system will authenticate the phone number along with the PVC number on the INEC database. If the two are found to be part of the data registered for the same person and the individual hasn't yet voted, the voting will be successful and a successful SMS will be issued to the voter. The voter's full name and the current scores of the parties will be included in the SMS.