ABSTRACT

Use of Technology (UTAUT) ....................................... 426 12.4.4 Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) ...................................... 427 12.5 Research Methodology .............................................................. 429

12.6 Results/Findings ......................................................................... 432 12.6.1 Trust in the Technology ................................................ 434 12.6.2 Availability of Infrastructure and Resources ................ 434 12.6.3 Digital Divide ............................................................... 435 12.6.4 Awareness ..................................................................... 436 12.7 Discussions ................................................................................ 437 12.7.1 Trust in the Technology ................................................ 438 12.7.2 Awareness ..................................................................... 438 12.7.3 Availability of Infrastructure and Resources ................ 439 12.7.4 Digital Divide ............................................................... 439 12.8 Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................ 439 Keywords .............................................................................................. 441 References ............................................................................................. 441

12.1 ABSTRACT

This article examines the factors that could potentially influence the adoption of e-voting technologies within the South African context. The study explored the challenges associated with the current manual paper voting electoral process and how these challenges are related to the factors that could influence the adoption of e-voting technologies. The approach taken was inductive based interpretivism paradigm and technology adoption models. Data was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Diffusion of Innovation constructs relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity was found to be potential factors. Other factors included availability of infrastructure and resources, awareness, trust in the innovation and digital divide. These results are significant to the Electoral management body that need to consider these factors before introducing e-voting technologies in South Africa.