The Catalan region is no stranger to holding controversial opinions and carrying a maverick-like attitude. The region has recently been focused on breaking away from Spanish rule to create its own sovereign nation, but the King of Spain threw a spanner in the works following a public vote that finished with a clear decision for independence. Following this, the region has committed to implementing an e-voting system before the end of 2020, and it will be powered by blockchain technology.
Blockchain Voting Systems Already Undergoing Trials
Multiple nations around the globe are already dabbling in blockchain voting systems. Japan has created a test system that allows citizens in one city to vote on the next scientific research project that the local government will focus on. Users simply login using their 12-digit ID card number and can cast their vote. After the vote is cast, the public can see how many people have voted for which cause – without time delays and vote counters needed.
Concerns Over the Process
As with all new technology, there are concerned citizens. In America, several states have tried a blockchain voting system in the midterm elections – proving very popular and largely successful. However, cybersecurity experts are beginning to fear that the system can be hacked and the voting process rigged.
Since the technology is still new, there are many flaws in the system that are slowly being exposed. Researchers worry that one of these bugs could result in an election being controlled by another country and thus not representing the true voice of the public.
Russia Turning to Blockchain Voting
As cybersecurity experts in America are quick to shun the new technology, Russia is hastily adopting it. The Russian government has been testing its own blockchain voting system in the past few months, and it’s looking likely that it will be deployed as standard throughout the next election in Russia. If blockchain voting makes the cut in time for the next election, the implications around the world could be tremendous – putting its critics to bed once and for all.
Should the Catalan region implement a blockchain based voting system, it could thoroughly upset the Spanish government. It potentially even force the government to discount the region’s votes towards the next general election. This could then be used as leverage with the King of Spain to grant the region its independence from the rest of the country. We will find out in two year’s time when the region has set itself the deadline to implement this technology.
