The Blockchain Dilemma in Russian Elections

During a recent conference celebrating 25 years of Russia’s electoral system, hosted by the Central Election Commission (CEC), the topic of blockchain technology for voting sparked a lively discussion. Attendees gathered to deliberate on the nuances of electronic voting and the potential of blockchain.

Ella Pamfilova’s Insight

Ella Pamfilova, the head of the CEC, highlighted an intriguing point about the need for ‘rebranding’ blockchain technology to better resonate with the Russian populace. As she noted, the term ‘blockchain’ carries negative connotations, primarily due to the words ‘block’ and ‘chain.’ These terms evoke images of confinement in a society that remembers a history of oppression.

Why Rebranding Matters

Pamfilova argued that linguistic perception plays a crucial role in the acceptance of new technology. She suggested that, to promote blockchain effectively, an alternative name that is more in tune with Russian culture should be devised. This aim? To erase the negative stigmas attached to the current terminology.

• Block = Closure
• Chain = Confinement

It’s a tall order, no doubt! She humorously noted that a “more understandable Russian word” is necessary for this tech to gain traction in election processes. Maybe something like ‘freedom links’ could work? Just kidding!

The State of Voting Infrastructure

However, it’s not just about the name—it’s about the infrastructure. Back in 2017, Pamfilova expressed concerns about the readiness of local polling stations to implement blockchain, stating that most lacked the necessary technology to facilitate decentralized voting. It’s hard to run before you can walk, right?

Blockchain Beyond Elections

Despite the reservations around using blockchain in voting, it is interesting to see the technology being tested in other sectors within Russia. The partnership between Alrosa and De Beers focusing on diamond tracking via blockchain is a testament to this growing enthusiasm. Not to mention, Gazprom’s collaboration with S7 Airlines to explore blockchain logistics for aircraft fuelling, which seems like a step towards efficiency and transparency.

The Future Is Uncertain

As debates in the public and private sectors continue, with the regulatory framework still being shaped, it’s easy to imagine a landscape where blockchain successfully integrates into various facets of Russian society. Whether or not voting becomes one of those facets remains to be seen—but it definitely will be a topic for future conversations!