The implementation of the electronic voting or e-voting system in the Village Head Elections (Pilkades) in Sumenep Regency has sparked a wave of criticism from various groups. This policy is deemed to emphasize technological prestige and the label of modernization over the core essence of democracy, which is transparency and the trust of grassroots communities.
The main concern stems from the potential reduction in active citizen participation in monitoring the vote counting process. In the conventional system, the counting process is conducted openly and can be witnessed directly by all voters. Conversely, the digital system shifts this crucial process into a computer system that is difficult for laypeople to understand, thereby risking doubts about the integrity of the election results.
On the other hand, infrastructure gaps and digital literacy levels in rural areas of Sumenep remain a major challenge. Imposing advanced technology on a digitally unprepared community is feared to create new barriers to democracy. The modernization of the electoral system should go hand in hand with education and the psychological readiness of the public, rather than just chasing time efficiency.
The legitimacy of a leader elected in Pilkades heavily depends on the citizens' confidence that their votes are counted correctly and fairly. A fast voting result is meaningless if accompanied by public doubt over the transparency of the process. Therefore, technology should be positioned as a tool, not a curtain blocking public scrutiny.
The Sumenep Regency Government is expected to re-evaluate the urgency of this digitalization by placing public trust as the top priority. A healthy democracy at the village level will only be realized if the political process remains inclusive, easy to understand, and fully accountable to the broader community.
