The State Automated Information System of Elections (SAISE) is a national platform used by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Moldova to ensure transparency, integrity, and efficiency of electoral processes. One critical component of this system is the Electronic Subscription Lists subsystem, aimed at digitalizing the collection and verification of voter signatures for candidate registration.
Objective
To develop a secure, user-friendly, and legally compliant electronic subsystem that enables:
- Collection of voter signatures in support of independent candidates or political parties.
- Real-time validation of voter data against the State Voter Registry.
- Full traceability and auditability of signature collection to prevent fraud or duplication.
Scope and Features
1. Digital Signature Collection
- Citizens use M-Pass authentication to access the system.
- Ability to sign support for a candidate/political party digitally.
- Only eligible voters can sign once per candidate.
2. Real-Time Verification
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Immediate validation of voter identity and eligibility via integration with:
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State Register of Voters
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State Population Register
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3. Role-Based Access
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Different access levels for:
- Electoral officials
- Party/candidate representatives
- Observers (read-only access to stats)
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Full logging of access and actions for audit purposes.
4. Security and Compliance
- End-to-end encryption of user data and signatures.
- System designed in compliance with Moldova’s electoral code, personal data protection law, and cybersecurity standards.
- Use of national digital infrastructure: MCloud, MSign, MPass.
5. User Interface
- Responsive web interface for both desktop and mobile.
- Admin dashboard with analytics (number of collected signatures, invalid attempts, regional distribution).
6. Notification and Monitoring Tools
- Real-time monitoring tools for electoral authorities.
- Automatic alerts for anomalies (e.g., signature spikes, repeated access from same IP).
Technology Stack
- Frontend: React.js
- Backend: .NET Core
- Database: PostgreSQL with audit trail features
- Authentication: MPass
- Hosting: MCloud
- APIs: RESTful APIs for registry integrations
Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements Analysis | 2 weeks | Functional & technical specs |
| Prototype & UI Design | 3 weeks | UX wireframes, user journeys |
| Development | 2 months | MVP with core signature collection |
| Integration | 3 weeks | Connection to national registries |
| Testing & QA | 3 weeks | Security, functional, and load tests |
| Training & Deployment | 2 weeks | Training sessions, user guides |
Challenges & Mitigations
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Legal framework adaptation | Close collaboration with CEC and legal experts to ensure compliance |
| Voter digital literacy | Developed simplified interface and awareness materials |
| System abuse/fraud | Multi-layer validation and anomaly detection tools |
Results
- Over 95% reduction in paper signature handling.
- Real-time data available for candidates and electoral commissions.
- Significant cost savings in validation and logistics.
- Strengthened trust in electoral transparency.
Conclusion
The "Electronic Subscription Lists" subsystem of SAISE is a landmark in e-governance and digital democracy in Moldova, enabling secure, accessible, and verifiable electoral participation. It serves as a model for other countries aiming to modernize candidate nomination and citizen engagement processes.
