[germainebull]

Recently, Gambia, an African country, held its general elections. The country's election managers used marbles instead of paper scripts (ballot papers) as voting materials. Voters were thus not required to write during the voting process.

This got me thinking, is Gambia justified to use these unorthodox voting materials, given the existence of technology that would allow voters to vote electronically?

[chikitta]

Marbles? Goodness what's the actual reason that they decided to use marbles? The way technology has gone so far? Some people actually need to style up.

[germainebull]

Marbles? Goodness what's the actual reason that they decided to use marbles? The way technology has gone so far? Some people actually need to style up.

I think they resorted to marbles owing to the need to keep costs low. I guess you agree with me that marbles are extremely cheap. In my country, a single marble costs about $0.01. If you compare this arguably negligible cost to the cost of printing a single ballot paper, you can understand the cost-reduction utility of marbles.

[TeacherAngel]

I might sound paranoid but such method would be prone to cheating.

[germainebull]

I might sound paranoid but such method would be prone to cheating.

My thoughts exactly. Come to think of it; what would prevent a rogue elections manager from scooping some marbles from a particular candidate's container and putting the same in the container of a rival candidate?

[agape]

Ironically, this would be acceptable in rich nations that have advanced voting systems. Not in backward, poor nations that are usually plagued by much corruption.

[germainebull]

Ironically, this would be acceptable in rich nations that have advanced voting systems. Not in backward, poor nations that are usually plagued by much corruption.

I agree with you; most advanced nations do not suffer under the suffocating levels of corruption that is witnessed in 3rd world countries.
Wait; do you see a cause-effect-relationship between backwardness and corruption here?

[earthsalt]

I agree with you; most advanced nations do not suffer under the suffocating levels of corruption that is witnessed in 3rd world countries.

This appears to be a mere perception and not a fact. Remember, most third-world countries do not have the means to promulgate and popularize their strong points. Advanced countries have these means, hence the perception that third-world countries feature more negativity including corruption.

[Angie10]

Hmm...like TeacherAngel, I'd be concerned about the security and integrity of the votes being compromised, whether it happened in Africa, Europe or anywhere else in the world. I hope there were international observers to ensure the election was fair and open.

On a different matter, I'm glad that Jammeh finally left the seat and the country. I'm very hopeful that the youthful, new president will serve his people better.

[WorkAtHomeGal]

A marble system would be cheaper though perhaps? And be good for well... Well people who have trouble reading or writing maybe too. Of course though it maybe could be compromised easier and that is not good. It is true though with technology advancements I am surprised there isn't more options in countries for people to vote from their home...

[earthsalt]

A marble system would be cheaper though perhaps? And be good for well... Well people who have trouble reading or writing maybe too. Of course though it maybe could be compromised easier and that is not good. It is true though with technology advancements I am surprised there isn't more options in countries for people to vote from their home...

Most people do not have the conveniences that you have. For example, in Kenya, we have to queue and use ballot papers during voting day.

[germainebull]

A marble system would be cheaper though perhaps? And be good for well... Well people who have trouble reading or writing maybe too. Of course though it maybe could be compromised easier and that is not good. It is true though with technology advancements I am surprised there isn't more options in countries for people to vote from their home...

Most people do not have the conveniences that you have. For example, in Kenya, we have to queue and use ballot papers during voting day.

How tiring this is! Especially considering that the electorate normally suffers such inconveniences, only to put a thief, fraudster, or some other type of undesirable character into office!