Paraguay: IT Experts Insist February Audit of Voting Machines Was Merely a 'Demonstration,' Raising Security Concerns

A group of IT experts, representing various opposition parties, has reiterated serious concerns regarding the security and integrity of the electronic voting machines slated for use in Paraguay's upcoming elections. These professionals, who were involved in a February audit, insist that the process was superficial and did not constitute a genuine, independent verification of the system's vulnerabilities. According to ABC Color, the experts argue that the Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE) failed to provide adequate conditions for a rigorous audit, limiting access to critical components and controlling the environment. Engineer Derlis Gregor highlighted that the audit was conducted under restricted conditions, preventing them from performing a methodologically sound and verifiable examination. Gladys Canese pointed out specific flaws, such as the inability to verify certain systems and the lack of access to the source code and encryption methods for vote tabulation. The experts emphasize that electoral transparency must be based on verifiable evidence, not just institutional assurances. This stance reflects a deep-seated skepticism within segments of the Paraguayan electorate and political opposition regarding the reliability of electronic voting systems, a concern that resonates strongly in a country where trust in electoral processes is paramount. The insistence on independent, verifiable audits underscores a desire for greater accountability and confidence in the democratic system.

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Any public information claiming the system was fully audited, technically validated, or independently verified lacks technical support based on objective documentary evidence.