Panama City – September 20, 2024 – A team of experts from Smartmatic took part in the second Electoral Technology Expo, organized by the Center for Electoral Advice and Promotion (CAPEL), held in Panama City from September 17 to 19. The event gathered over 100 representatives from electoral bodies and technology providers across the region.
Andrés Rombolá, President of Sales for Smartmatic Latin America, discussed how technology is revolutionizing the elections landscape in Latin America. Citing how many countries in the region now use biometric authentication to verify voters’ identities. “Implementing these technologies not only enhances security but also builds public trust in electoral processes,” Rombolá stated.
Eduardo Correia, Chief Technology Officer of Smartmatic, explored the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) presents for the industry. While AI has generated significant interest, Correia noted that many firms have taken a cautious stance on its implementation. “Although AI is highly relevant, its impact on the 2024 elections has not been as decisive as anticipated,” he explained. However, he cautioned about the risks of AI-driven disinformation, particularly with the upcoming November elections in the United States.
Correia also stressed the importance of collaboration in the electoral sector and events like the CAPEL expo. “These gatherings provide a platform to engage with industry leaders and share innovations with authorities that can transform and modernize their elections,” he emphasized.
During the event, Smartmatic showcased its advanced suite of solutions, including voter registration and biometric authentication systems, electronic voting machines, and automated vote-counting systems, all designed to strengthen the integrity of elections. The highlight of the event was the bSmart BMD 155 voting machine, a revolutionary device inspired by its successful deployment in Los Angeles County. This groundbreaking device adheres to the stringent VVSG 2.0 guidelines in the United States, ensuring high standards of transparency, security, and accessibility.
The CAPEL Electoral Technology Expo provided a valuable opportunity for regional electoral commissions to gain firsthand insight into the technological solutions available for modernizing their elections.