Bolivia
1
Response to a Request for Proposals Paper Elections and Political Process Programs Country: Bolivia
Professor: Allan Rosenbaum and Rachel Emas Florida International University PAD 6056 – Capstone Summer 2011 By: Maria H. Webb – 1196429
2
RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PAPER ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL PROCESS PROGRAMS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BOLIVIA FOR DEPLOYING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES PROJECT An unsolicited proposal Submitted to USAID/Bolivia by the Institute for Public Management and Community Service of Florida International University in association with the Bolivian Institute of Public Administration of the Bolivia Academy of Public Administration And the Boliva NGO:IFES International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Executive Summary: The establishment of an electronic voting system in a country that is still struggling to plant democracy is more of a political venture than anything else. For it to be successful, will have to rely on professional research and will be driven by the understanding of the parties involved. As such, the voters as well as the candidates of elections will be major factors to consider. In that regard, the technical part of the project is miserably dwarfed in terms of importance and concern by the need to make the whole system acceptable, both politically and socially. This means working along with the parties concerned in order to create the trust and faith that is needed for the system to be successful in all ways. This document is a through consideration of the pros and cons of implementing such a project, with regard to cost, research and all the resources needed in the implementation of the project. User concerns, beliefs and the role of age and presence of democracy are critically analyzed to establish a clear and firm ground in which the project should be established.
3 I. Background
The Bolivian electorate has undergone numerous changes over the past many decades from the time the nation
Response to a Request for Proposals Paper Elections and Political Process Programs Country: Bolivia
Professor: Allan Rosenbaum and Rachel Emas Florida International University PAD 6056 – Capstone Summer 2011 By: Maria H. Webb – 1196429
2
RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PAPER ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL PROCESS PROGRAMS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BOLIVIA FOR DEPLOYING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES PROJECT An unsolicited proposal Submitted to USAID/Bolivia by the Institute for Public Management and Community Service of Florida International University in association with the Bolivian Institute of Public Administration of the Bolivia Academy of Public Administration And the Boliva NGO:IFES International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Executive Summary: The establishment of an electronic voting system in a country that is still struggling to plant democracy is more of a political venture than anything else. For it to be successful, will have to rely on professional research and will be driven by the understanding of the parties involved. As such, the voters as well as the candidates of elections will be major factors to consider. In that regard, the technical part of the project is miserably dwarfed in terms of importance and concern by the need to make the whole system acceptable, both politically and socially. This means working along with the parties concerned in order to create the trust and faith that is needed for the system to be successful in all ways. This document is a through consideration of the pros and cons of implementing such a project, with regard to cost, research and all the resources needed in the implementation of the project. User concerns, beliefs and the role of age and presence of democracy are critically analyzed to establish a clear and firm ground in which the project should be established.
3 I. Background
The Bolivian electorate has undergone numerous changes over the past many decades from the time the nation
References: Thomas, R. & Benton E.G. (2009). The Nursing of Democracy: Rules for Young nations Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons. Williamson, D., Cooke,P. & Jenkins, W. (2003). A Historic Look of democracy. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Screpanti, E., & Zamagni, S. 2005, The Universal Rule of Democratic Governance. 2nd Edition, illustrated, revised. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Tsoulfidis, L. 2010, The Schools of Governance and Modern Management, illustrated Edition. Heidelberge: Springer Publications Wilmott, P. 2006, Appplication of technology in Governance: Guidelines and Notes, Volume 2, 2nd Edition. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley and Sons.