The Future of Election: E -Voting Adoption in Developing Countries – The Case of Iraq

Abstract

The effectiveness of computerized systems is greatly enhanced when technological, organizational, and human factors are collectively considered. As e-voting systems gain prominence in fostering democratic engagement and citizen participation, understanding the factors that influence their adoption becomes increasingly important. This study investigates the key determinants influencing the adoption of e-voting systems among potential voters in countries where such systems are already in use, such as Iraq. Data were collected from 349 university students across Iraq using purposive sampling. The relationships among latent constructs were then analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with SmartPLS. The findings reveal that behavioral intention to adopt e-voting is significantly influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived security, and trust in government. Conversely, effort expectancy and trust in technology were found to impact behavioral intention negatively. Additionally, perceived security significantly affects trust in technology while facilitating conditions that positively influence trust in government. By extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with additional constructs, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of e-voting adoption in developing countries. Practically, the proposed model offers valuable insights for policymakers and system designers aiming to enhance voter acceptance of e-voting systems.