Smartmatic left Venezuela in 2017 over election fraud allegations but continued to license its software for subsequent elections, which were initially kept secret. Evidence shows Smartmatic’s involvement in the December 2017 municipal elections and the May 2018 presidential election, despite claims of withdrawal. The situation raises concerns regarding election integrity amid political turmoil.
Smartmatic, an electronic voting company, announced its departure from Venezuela following allegations of election fraud related to the 2017 National Constituent Assembly elections. Despite this withdrawal, evidence obtained by the Miami Herald indicates that Smartmatic’s software continued to be utilized in Venezuelan elections, specifically in the municipal elections of December 2017 and the presidential election of May 2018. Sources affiliated with Venezuela’s National Electoral Council disclosed that Smartmatic collaborated with a third party, Ex-Cle, to obscure its involvement in these elections. Documentation reveals that although Smartmatic had officially ceased operations in Venezuela, its technicians assisted in preparing the election software, raising significant questions about the integrity and authenticity of the electoral process during this period. Initially, Smartmatic denied any continued participation in Venezuelan elections, stating, “Smartmatic software has not been used in any election in Venezuela since the National Constituent Assembly elections in 2017,” yet this position shifted when presented with contradicting evidence, leading to a statement emphasizing that any Smartmatic software used without their oversight could not be deemed authentic. In addition to these allegations, the company has faced scrutiny in a separate context, wherein the founder of Smartmatic has been indicted on charges of foreign corruption related to contracts in the Philippines, further complicating Smartmatic’s global reputation and operational integrity.
Smartmatic was established in 2000 and originated from Venezuela, where it gained prominence in the electoral technology sector. Following several years of providing election services, Smartmatic distanced itself from the Venezuelan government amidst allegations of election fraud. This decision not only affected its public image but also raised inquiries regarding its past and ongoing involvements in future elections within Venezuela. The allegations of the company’s secret dealings in subsequent elections highlight a critical concern regarding transparency and integrity in electoral processes, particularly in countries with questionable democratic practices. As electoral technology firms are instrumental in shaping the outcomes of elections, their ethical obligations and operational transparency play significant roles in democratic governance.
The findings related to Smartmatic’s continued involvement in Venezuelan elections underscore significant ethical concerns about transparency in election technology companies. While Smartmatic had publicly declared its separation from Venezuela’s electoral processes following allegations of fraud in 2017, subsequent evidence suggests a continued operational connection that raises questions about the validity and reliability of elections conducted during this time. The ramifications of these findings are profound, as they highlight the challenges faced by democratic institutions in maintaining integrity, particularly in environments marked by political instability and allegations of misconduct.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
