Contract for Electronic Voting System Postponed Due to Election Delay
The government’s postponement of the London Mayor and Assembly elections has led to a halt in the implementation of an advanced electronic ballot counting system. Originally scheduled for May 2020, these elections will now take place on 6 May 2021, following earlier discussions between key stakeholders.
Details of the Contract
In November 2018, a contract was awarded to CGI IT UK in partnership with Smartmatic for the provision of an electronic ballot paper counting system, as well as ballot papers and boxes, along with other related services. The value of the contract for the 2020 elections was set at approximately £8.99 million.
Impact of Postponement
Due to the government’s decision in March to delay the elections initially scheduled for 7 May 2020, the project to implement the e-count system was effectively paused. At the point of postponement, several preparatory measures, including system testing and training for local election staff, had already been conducted.
Collaborative Efforts for Future Elections
Following the announcement of the delay, stakeholders engaged in extensive discussions involving the Greater London Authority (GLA) London Elects team and CGI, aimed at ensuring the successful deployment of the electronic counting system for the new election date. This resulted in an agreement on handling the financial implications of the postponement, managed through a formal Change Control Notice (CCN-010).
New Agreement Reached
On 16 June 2020, all involved parties reached a provisional agreement regarding the management of deferred costs and additional expenditures relevant to the revised project timeline. This led to the issuance of a second Change Control Notice (CCN-011), which established a framework for preparing the e-count system for the 2021 elections, aiming to adhere to the terms of the original 2020 contract while accommodating necessary adjustments as outlined in associated impact assessments.
Background
The decision to delay the elections has raised questions about the efficiency and preparedness of electoral processes in light of technological advancements. The integration of electronic voting systems has the potential to streamline elections, enhance accuracy, and reduce administrative burdens, making these developments significant for future electoral integrity in the UK.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/glro21-01-electronic-vote-counting-system-e-count-preparation-and-delivery-may-2021
