Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1093354
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MARCH 2019 Netherlands: a return to paper In 2006, the Netherlands de- cided to re-evaluate the use of voting technology when it came under fire. The Dutch Minister of the Interior at the time, Johan Remkes, withdrew the licence of 1,187 voting machines from manufacturer Sdu NV because the General Intelligence and Security Service proved that one could eavesdrop on vot- ing from up to 40 metres using Van Eck phreaking. This is a special equipment that is used to pick up side- band electromagnetic emis- sions from electronic devices. The machines used were a direct-recording machine, dis- playing a digital ballot that can be activated via a touchscreen. A group of computer experts called 'We do Not Trust Vot- ing Computers' pressured parliament to establish two independent commissions to consider the past and future of electronic voting. The Elec- tion Process Advisory Com- mission said that the equip- ment was not sufficiently transparent and verifiable and that voting by paper ballot would be the most appropriate method. Electronic voting was discontinued in 2007 and has not been reintroduced. Scotland: a precursor of the Maltese model The Scottish government paid £6.5 million to Canadian IT consulting company CGI to re-introduce e-counting in 2015. E-counting was first im- plemented by Scotland back in 2007 but this had resulted in a fiasco with more than 140,000 ballot papers rejected by e- counting technology during the counting process. Scotland decided to give it another go via CGI and its Glasgow-based partner Idox, the same Idox that the Maltese government paid for its voting technology. In 2017, Scottish local government elections reported no problems whatso- ever with the e-counting tech- nology and Idox even offered e-counting training. The results of the local coun- cil elections were delivered just hours after the end of vot- ing. It's important to note that all the countries mentioned above, bar Scotland, have adopted a fully-electronic vot- ing system while Malta will only use its technology during the counting process. NEWS to a a CV 26 to www.landsauthority.org.mt CAREER OPPORTUNITY WE ARE RECRUITING - Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing land ownership in Malta & Gozo, shall be considered as an asset; - Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment; - Thinks and acts strategically; - Takes ownership, actions and manage to meet deadlines. to fill the following position: and other related matters. Qualifications - Warranted Architect & Civil Engineer; Experience - Having experience in a similar position will be considered an asset; Skills Jobsplus Permit Number 61/2019 March 2019. Tuesday