The Influence of new technologies on the election process in Lithuania

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Elektroniniai rinkimai; Balsavimas; Naujos technologijos; Politinis procesas; Politinė sistema. Keywords: Electronic voting; Elections; New technologies; Political process; Political system.Reikšminiai žodžiai: Rinkimų procesas; Naujos technologijos; IRT; Elektroninis balsavimas; Electoral process; New technologies; ICT; Electronic voting.

ENThis article aims to analyze the use of new technologies (ICT) in the election process in Lithuania, understood as election procedures and electronic voting. While ICT is widely used in the registration of voters, calculating voting results, or announcing election results, so far, the concept of electronic voting in Lithuania raises many concerns. However, it is anticipated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new regulations may be adopted, and electronic voting will contribute to the modernization of election procedures and help maintain sanitary requirements in the current crisis. Based on the analysis of legal acts, reports of international organizations, and the results of academic research, the author proves that new technologies significantly affect the operation of the broadly understood electoral apparatus. They can also increase electoral accessibility and participation, improve electoral processes in the context of new challenges, and stimulate the international visibility of the state. [From the publication]