Online Voting System (OVS)

G.P.D. Thilakshika
2021
 Online Voting System (OVS)

A thesis submitted for the Degree of Master of

Information Technology

G.P.D.Thilakshika
University of Colombo School of Computing
2021
Declaration

The thesis is my original work and has not been submitted previously for a degree at this
or any other university/institute.
To the best of my knowledge it does not contain any material published or written by
another person, except as acknowledged in the text.

Student Name: G.P.D.Thilakshika

Registration Number: 2018/MIT/078
Index Number: 18550786

-----------------
Signature: Date: 2021/11/27

This is to certify that this thesis is based on the work of Ms. G.P.D.Thilakshika under my
supervision. The thesis has been prepared according to the format stipulated and is of
acceptable standard.

Certified by:
Supervisor Name: Dr. Ajantha Atukorale

-----------------

Signature: Date: 29/11/2021

iii
Abstract

Online voting is a more convenient way for voting process which use less resources with
compare to manual voting process. Access online voting system through internet is more
convenient way for the most of the voters with rapid development of the technology. This
may be good solution for increasing the voter turnout at polls. Even so the security is the
most challenging aspect when consider about online voting.

This study is about a software solution for voting through the internet. This system provides
a way to record election data, process data and store them as digital information. Both
casting a vote and counting votes provide through this online voting system. Other than
voting, this system also able to create and handle voter, political party and candidates
details.

This project report is intended to include the first segment of the project which is the
introduction of the problem, its significance, scope, and other important points such as
purpose of the project and objectives of this study. Also first chapter state limitations of the
project scope.

The second segment will contain the software problem analysis where a comprehensive
literature review will be discussed. Functional and non-functional requirements also stare
in this chapter.

Then next segment includes the system design where numerous notation details would be
given as well as the representation of the various flowcharts, uses cases, dataflow diagrams
and structure charts.

As the next segment, an overview on the project implementation will also be discussed.
Testing and Evaluation is state as next segment. It provide detail description of test-cases
and results achieved through the testing process.

Finally summarization of project work and achievement through entire work clearly
defined as last section of the report.

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Table of Contents
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................................... III
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................................IV
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................................................... VII
LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................................................VIII
LIST OF ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................................IX
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 MOTIVATION ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM............................................................................................................. 2
1.4 OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 FEASIBILITY STUDY.............................................................................................................................. 4
1.6.1 FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.6.2 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.6.3 RESOURCES FEASIBILITY ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.6.4 RISK FEASIBILITY ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION ..................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 - BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 REVIEW OF SIMILAR SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................ 6
2.2.1 VOTING VIA BALLOT SHEETS ................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.2 ELECTRONIC VOTE CASTING SYSTEMS .............................................................................................. 6
2.2.2.1 “DIRECT-RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM” ........................................................... 6
2.2.2.3 “REMOTE VOTING”................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 COMPARISON BETWEEN ONLINE VOTING SYSTEM AND SIMILAR SYSTEMS ........................................ 7
2.4 EXISTING E-VOTING SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................ 8
2.4.1 E-VOTING IN BRAZIL ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.4.2 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS IN BELGIUM .................................................................................. 8
2.4.3 ELECTRONIC VOTING IN ESTONIA ....................................................................................................... 9
2.4.4 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS IN USA.............................................................................................. 9
2.4.5 SUMMARY OF EXISTING E-VOTING SYSTEMS ................................................................................. 10
2.5 REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................. 11
2.5.1 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 11
2.5.2 NON-FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 12
2.6 RELATED DESIGN STRATEGIES ......................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 3 - DESIGN ................................................................................................................................ 14
3.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE .................................................................................................................... 14
3.3 SYSTEM DESIGN ................................................................................................................................. 15
3.3.1 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM (DFD) ...................................................................................................... 19
3.3.2 USE CASE DIAGRAM ...................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.3 USE CASES SCENARIO................................................................................................................... 21
3.3.4 SEQUENCE DIAGRAMS .................................................................................................................. 29
3.3.4.1 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM FOR ADMINISTRATOR DASHBOARD ...................................................... 29
3.3.4.2 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM FOR SYSTEM USER DASHBOARD ........................................................... 30
3.3.4.3 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM FOR VOTING PROCESS ........................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 4 - IMPLEMENTATION ......................................................................................................... 33

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 4.1 SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................................................ 33
4.2 SYSTEM MODULES ............................................................................................................................. 33
CHAPTER 5 - TESTING AND EVALUATION ........................................................................................ 40
5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 40
5.2 TEST PLAN .......................................................................................................................................... 40
5.3 TEST CASES ......................................................................................................................................... 41
5.3.1 ADMINISTRATOR DASHBOARD ............................................................................................................ 41
5.3.2 AUTHORIZED OFFICER DASHBOARD ................................................................................................. 42
5.3.3 VOTING ......................................................................................................................................................... 43
5.3.4 VIEW RESULT ............................................................................................................................................. 43
5.3.5 VOTER REGISTRATION ........................................................................................................................... 44
5.3.6 POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION .................................................................................................... 44
5.3.7 CANDIDATE REGISTRATION ................................................................................................................. 44
5.3.8 CHANGE VOTER DETAILS ...................................................................................................................... 45
5.3.9 CHANGE POLITICAL PARTY DETAILS ............................................................................................... 45
5.3.10 CHANGE CANDIDATE DETAILS ....................................................................................................... 45
5.4 TESTS CONDUCTED ON SYSTEM TESTING .......................................................................................... 46
5.4.1 UNIT TESTING ............................................................................................................................................ 46
5.4.2 INTEGRATION TESTING .......................................................................................................................... 46
5.4.3 SYSTEM TESTING ...................................................................................................................................... 46
5.4.4 USABILITY TESTING................................................................................................................................. 46
5.4.5 COMPATIBILITY TESTING ..................................................................................................................... 46
5.4.6 SECURITY TESTING .................................................................................................................................. 47

CHAPTER 6 - CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................48

LIST OF REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 49
APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................................... 51
MIS REPORT MODULE .................................................................................................................................... 51
USER GUIDE FOR VOTERS ............................................................................................................................... 57

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List of Figures

Figure 3. 1 System Architectural Diagram ........................................................................................... 14

Figure 3. 2 Block Diagram for Software Interaction .......................................................................... 15
Figure 3. 3 Flowchart for Administration Dashboard ......................................................................... 16
Figure 3. 4 Flowchart for Voting Process ............................................................................................ 17
Figure 3. 5 Flowchart for Tallying ...................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3. 6 Database Design ................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 3. 7 Data Flow Diagram for Online Voting System ................................................................ 19
Figure 3. 8 Use Case Diagram for Online Voting System .................................................................. 20
Figure 3. 9 Sequence Diagram for Administrator Dashboard............................................................. 30
Figure 3. 10 Sequence Diagram for System User Dashboard ............................................................. 31
Figure 3. 11 Sequence Diagram for Voting Process ........................................................................... 32

Figure 4. 1 Module Interaction of the System..................................................................................... 34

Figure 4. 2 Home Page........................................................................................................................ 35
Figure 4. 3 User Login Page ............................................................................................................... 35
Figure 4. 4 Voting Page ...................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 4. 5 Admin Dashboard ............................................................................................................. 38
Figure 4. 6 Election Result UI ............................................................................................................ 38

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List of Tables

Table 2. 1 Comparison characteristics of similar systems..................................................................... 8

Table 2. 2 : Summary of existing e-voting systems .............................................................................. 10

Table 3. 1 Request for register the voter ............................................................................................. 21

Table 3. 2 Request for Update Critical Voter Details ......................................................................... 21
Table 3. 3 Update of Voter Details ..................................................................................................... 22
Table 3. 4 Delete Voter ....................................................................................................................... 22
Table 3. 5 Political Party Registration ................................................................................................ 23
Table 3. 6 Approve Political Party ...................................................................................................... 23
Table 3. 7 Candidate Registration ....................................................................................................... 24
Table 3. 8 View/Update Political Party Registration Details .............................................................. 24
Table 3. 9 Update Candidate Details .................................................................................................. 25
Table 3. 10 Delete Candidate ............................................................................................................... 25
Table 3. 11 Log in/Log out ................................................................................................................ 26
Table 3. 12 Vote Online ...................................................................................................................... 26
Table 3. 13 View Election Results ...................................................................................................... 27
Table 3. 14 Provide User Levels ......................................................................................................... 27
Table 3. 15 System User Registration................................................................................................. 28
Table 3. 16 Approve System User ...................................................................................................... 28

Table 5. 1 Unit Test for Administrator Dashboard ............................................................................. 41

Table 5. 2 Unit Test for Authorized Officer Dashboard ..................................................................... 42
Table 5. 3 Unit Test for Voting Process............................................................................................. 43
Table 5. 4 Result Interface .................................................................................................................. 43
Table 5. 5 Voter Registration .............................................................................................................. 44
Table 5. 6 Political Party Registration ................................................................................................ 44
Table 5. 7 Candidate Registration ....................................................................................................... 44
Table 5. 8 Change Voter Details ......................................................................................................... 45
Table 5. 9 Change Political Party Details ........................................................................................... 45
Table 5. 10 Change Candidate Details ................................................................................................ 45

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List of Acronyms

CSS - Cascading Style Sheets

E vote - Electronic Vote
GS - “Village officer (Sri Lankan public official appointed by the central government to
carry out administrative duties in a Grama Niladhari division, which is a sub-unit of a
divisional secretariat.)”
GN Division – “Grama Niladhari division. (Sub-unit of a divisional secretariat)”
GSM - “Global System for Mobile Communications”
HTML – “Hypertext Markup Language”
NIC - National Identification Number
OTP – “One Time Password”
OVS - Online Voting System
PHP- Hypertext Preprocessor
RIES - Rijnland Internet Election System
SMS- Short Message Service

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1 Overview

Most of the countries use their governing system of democracy. Main activity in democracy
is select the representative through electoral process. Most of the countries use paper ballots
until now. But with the rapid development of technology most of the services provide
through internet. So these voting procedures should also change accordingly. Money
transactions and many more critical services handled using internet. Therefore voting via
internet can be considered also. The internet voting may be next revolution in our life.
This study is about a software solution for voting through the internet. This system provide
a way to record election data, process data and store them as digital information. Both
casting a vote and counting votes provides through this online voting system. Online voting
may become quickest, cheapest and most efficient way to held elections and count votes,
since it only consist of simple process and require a few worker with in the process. This
online voting system is accessible to every eligible voter with simple user friendly
interfaces.

1.2 Motivation

When consider percentage of voting last few years, it clearly shows vote casting is limited
to nearly 75%.That shows 25% voters do not cast their vote. The one of a main purpose of
this study is increase the voting percentage though out the country. Here we need to
consider all aspects that make voting percentage decrease. People who are outside their city
do not wish to come to their city just for voting because of expenses and transportation
problems. Some people who works in different cities may not be able attend the voting
although they wish to attend. Some people who are on duty during the election they may
not get the chance to attend for voting. Peoples with disabilities also may not attend for
voting. Disable people cannot access to polling booths easily, but they can easily access
online voting system through internet from anywhere. And also by using online voting
system voters can vote their own free time within given time period without worrying
polling centers. This system will lead to increase the participation to election voting with
use of internet.
Another main purpose of this study is reduce expenditure for election. For every election
government has to spend huge amount of money. During the election government has to
hire lot of staff for election duties such as security, vote counting and so on. The
government has to spend considerable amount of money for printing paper ballots. But the
online voting system will able to reduce expenditure by reducing staff members. The

1
printing cost of ballot sheets also eliminated though this online voting system. Voting via
internet is also decrease the manual work load.
Speed up the counting process and release result quickly is another main target of this study.
Manual voting process is time consuming and it takes more than 12 hours to release results.
In Online voting, counting is done by system itself. When a voter cast his/her vote, system
increments vote count automatically. Then the system can published final result as soon as
election time period over.
This study also address the counting errors. In manual voting process counting is done by
humans. It may lead to counting errors. But in this online system there is no room for errors
in vote counting.
Another purpose of this online voting system is reduction of cheating on elections. There
are many people who registered more than one area to cast their votes multiple times. By
using online voting system, it is possible to eliminate those kind of situations.
After considering those factors carrying out voting through internet will be the best way for
the voting process in the future. This study address each and every aspect of above
mentioned problems.

1.3 Statement of the problem

In democracy, representatives are choose by electoral process. These representatives are

the ones who operates the country behalf of public. Because of that the voting results need
to calculate accurately.
Our history shows that the manual voting process had a problem with security. Other than
that there are other problems with the manual voting process.
 Speed - Hand counting votes are time consuming.
 Access – Disable people cannot easily reach for polling booths.
 Transparent – Can easily manipulate election results.
 Cost – Different type of expenses throughout manual voting process such as voter
registering cost, vote counting cost and so on.

When considering all over the world, lots of e- voting systems have been using now. But
political electoral systems rarely used because of several issues. Most of the countries still
use manual voting process because of lack of technology resources and resource persons.
Sri Lanka still uses manual voting process. Online voting systems are available for
download from web sites freely (phppoint, 2017). But these online systems cannot use in
our country. Because system should be unique and well planned proper system for all Sri
Lankan voters

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1.4 Objectives

The main objective of this study is providing a better voting mechanism for people to cast
their vote using the internet.

The electoral of Sri Lanka still remains as manual. The manual electoral process carry out
different problems. Online voting system is mainly design as an effective solution to
overcome problems arises in manual voting process. This online voting (e-voting) system
suggest to provide electronic way of choosing representatives via web application.

This system is design to improve the current voting process in the following ways.
 In manual voting system, voters have to attend their polling centers in person.
By using this online voting system people can cast their votes through online
without attending any polling booth to cast their votes.
 Although manual process counting is done by humans online voting system
calculates vote count through system.
 Online voting speed the counting process while manual counting is time
consuming.
 Online voting system reduce election cost by considerable amount.
 Online voting system provide security that makes more difficult to commit
cheating during the election

1.5 Scope of the study

The online voting system is a web based system that provides an electronic way to vote
casting.
Main features of this program can be listed as follows.

 An administrative dashboard (Admin Login)

 An election officer dashboard (Election officer Login)
 An Grama Niladhari(GS) dashboard (GS Login)
 Register voters
 Registered voter login
 Update/Delete Voters
 Register Political Party
 Update/Delete Political Party
 Register Candidate
 Update/Delete Candidate
 Voting process
 Check/Display Results

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  Generate Reports

Limitations of this study are listed below.

 The scope of the system is limited to the presidential election. This system not
covers parliament and other elections.
 English is the target language of e-voting system at initial development.
 Providing login password via SMS consider as secure as initial development.
Although it is needed to use multi factor authentication. Those mechanisms will not
handle in this study.

1.6 Feasibility Study

1.6.1 Financial Feasibility

When designing web application, it is needed to consider web hosting cost.

Since the system should access the voters in given period of time (may be
within 8 hours 21 million population, the system required high bandwidth
for the operations of the application. This system is critical system so the
cost for security and maintenance will be high. At the initial stage the system
build only for presidential election and the system further developed for
other elections.
Besides associated cost there will be many benefits for all citizens of our
country. Because using this system, election cost can be reduced greatly. So
it is clear that this online voting system financially feasible.

1.6.2 Technical Feasibility

While developing this online voting system, it is needed to consider

technical aspect. Some of the technical tools and technologies are listed
below.
 PHP
 My Sql
 HTML
 CSS
 Bootstrap
 Net Beans IDE
 SMS gateway
 Diagram drawing tools
 Reporting Tools

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 Most of the tools and technologies mentioned above are freely available.
Initially this web application runs on the local host. So it is clear that this
online voting system technically feasible.

1.6.3 Resources Feasibility

The most important aspect of feasibility study is, consider the resources that
needed while developing the software product. Main resources needed for
this system developments are listed as follows.
 Programming device (Laptop or desktop)
 SMS Gateway
 Programming tools (freely available)

1.6.4 Risk Feasibility

It is necessary to identify all the requirements in the early stages. The

requirements change only if new functions added to the system. The system
designed for all voters so this system design while maintaining low
complexity. Usability highly improved by help documents and making GUI
easy to use.

1.7 Structure of the dissertation

This dissertation consists of the following sections. Section 2 is about system requirement
analysis and review of similar systems. Section 3 provide design of the online voting system
by using database table structures, structure charts and important pseudo codes. Section 4
give a critical evaluation of the system. Finally conclude in section 5 indicating a summary
of the results of the project.

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Chapter 2 - Background

2.1 Introduction

Traditional voting needs to follow different steps for preparing the elections, such as setting
a list of candidates, print ballot sheets, provide a better way to check voter identification,
provide a secret way to vote casting and so on. It is necessary to include these features when
developing the online voting system.

This chapter discussed about existing voting system and technologies of those systems. An
analysis of requirements of the system also discusses.

2.2 Review of Similar Systems

This section is discusses about similar electronic voting mechanism use to vote casting.
Some of the electronic voting systems and their features are listed below.

2.2.1 Voting via ballot sheets

“Paper based electronic voting systems” are voting systems that provide an
electronic procedure to count votes. The voters cast their votes through ballot sheets.
The vote counting is done through an electronic device. This mechanism reduces
the counting mistakes. These systems use optical scanning systems. (Antonyan,
2010)

2.2.2 Electronic Vote Casting Systems

There are different type of electronic vote casting systems. Some electronic voting
systems locate inside of the polling site. Some electronic vote casting is done
using the internet. The voters are cast their votes from a remote location by using
electronic devices such as mobile phone and tablets. Some of the systems using
above mentioned mechanism described below.

2.2.2.1 “Direct-Recording Electronic Voting System”

A more recent invention used for election is called direct-recording electronic voting
system (DRE). The DRE voting system is a computer screen to display ballot sheet
with push button or touch screen. The machine processes data with computer

6
 software and records voting data and ballot images in memory component. This
machine not only used for casting votes it also used to get print a ballot for tallying
if other electronic tabulation techniques like optical scanning is used. (Fischer,
2007)

2.2.2.2 “Public Network DRE Voting System”

As explained, a DRE voting system is an electronic system which records votes

directly into the memory storage. A public network DRE voting can use a DRE
machine at the polling station for casting of the vote, but after the vote is cast the
system will transmit the voting data from polling place to another location over a
public network. The vote data may be transmitted as individual ballots or as a batch
after the casting period over. (Nwogu, 2016)

2.2.2.3 “Remote Voting”

Here the vote casting is done using a computer which is connected to the internet.
After casting vote, the voting details are transmitted to the remote database through
internet. These systems allow the voter to log in to the system by providing a secure
PIN or any other secure method. After logging to the system, voter is able to cast
their votes. The votes will be sent to the remote database. (Krimmer & Volkamer,
2014)
Another remote voting method is vote casting though GSM network. The voting is done
using SMS. These methods can be considered as growing areas under remote voting.

2.3 Comparison between online voting system and similar

systems

Voting System Characteristics

Direct-Recording  Voting via electronic ballot sheet.
Electronic Voting  Need to visit voting site for vote.
System  Print each ballot for tallying.
 Vote count using optical scanner.

Public Network DRE  Voting via electronic ballot sheet.

Voting System  Need to visit voting site for vote.
 Transmit the voting data from polling place to
another location over a public network.
 Vote count using optical scanner.

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 Remote Voting  Voting details are transmitted to the remote
database through internet.
 Voters need to provide PIN to login to the system.

Online Voting System  Voting via electronic ballot sheet.

(OVS)  No need to visit voting site for vote.
 Voters need to provide PIN to login to the system.
 Voting details are transmitted to the remote
database through internet.
 Real time update vote count.

Table 2. 1 Comparison characteristics of similar systems

2.4 Existing E-Voting Systems

2.4.1 E-voting in Brazil

In Brazil, e-voting done by using voting machines which placed in different

locations. This voting machines help to voter identification and secure voting. For
cast their vote people have to go to a voting machine. There need to locate plenty of
voting machines all over the country. This leads to spending huge amounts of money
for voting machines. (Goldsmith & Ruthrauff, 2013)

By using this system, voters can cast their votes from any location. It will lead to
reduce cost and time. It will also increase the voting percentage.

2.4.2 Electronic voting systems in Belgium

In 1991 Belgium tested two types of electronic voting systems. One is based on
touch panels and other is electronic ballot sheets which are marked by using a light
pen. For these e-voting mechanisms they have to spend a considerable amount of
expenditure.
After that they use OMR technology to mark ballot sheets. It becomes successful
and give no problems. Although this method successful, it only address vote
counting.
In 2003, they introduce another electronic voting mechanism. Here votes can cast
their votes through the electronic voting system. The system includes a printer

8
 which will provide a receipt. Voter need to approve paper receipt and put the receipt
into the box. After the election is over, all paper votes’ count and compare with the
electronic vote count. This method shows accuracy of vote count. But this method
leads to considerable amount of money for an election. (Cock, 2010)
But using this online voting system which cast vote through internet, it can reduced
the cost considerable amount. Because there is no need to spend money for voting
machines and other equipment.

2.4.3 Electronic voting in Estonia

Estonia become the first nation to hold legally binding general election over the
internet. Estonian ID card is a regular and mandatory smart card which has secure
remote authentication and legally binding digital signature.
Voter can change their electronic vote unlimited number of times. It also possible
to vote through internet or polling stations.
Estonia develop their e-voting system by implementing verification of the vote for
any individual voter. Smartphone application use to scan QR code from desktop
screen to displays the name and number of the candidate the vote was cast. There
are individual verification stored for the voter to verify that the vote cast was stored
on vote collecting server. But there is no direct way to verify that the vote was also
tallied as cast.

2.4.4 Electronic voting systems in USA

Electronic voting in the United States involves several types of machines such as
touch screens for voters to mark choices, scanners to read paper ballots, scanners to
verify signatures of non-voted ballots, and web servers to display tallies to the
public. Apart from that, there are also computer systems to maintain voter
registration.
In an optical scan voting system each voter's choices are marked on pieces of paper,
which then go through a scanner. The scanner creates an electronic image of each
ballot, interprets it, creates a tally for each candidate, and usually stores the image
for later review (Herrnson, et al., 2008)

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 2.4.5 Summary of existing e-voting systems

Similar Methodology/Features Strength of Limitation

System/Country Method
E-voting in Touch screen direct Voters can Voters have to
Venezuela recording use which compare paper go for location
(NDI, 2013) produce a paper receipt. receipt match the where voting
Biometric authentication selection they had machine
devices used. made installed

E-voting in the UAE To verify voters’ identity accuracy of Complexity

(UAE mGovernment, ,use biometric identification
2020) technology based smart
cards

Electronic voting in Voting over internet. Reducing process Complexity

Switzerland costs, Increasing and missing
(Gerlach & Gasser, participation, transparency.
2009) Increasing High
efficiency investment
costs

Philippine general Automated election High rate of Security issue

election, 2019 system accuracy
Technology
(Wikimedia
Foundation, 2021)

Rijnland Internet Voting over internet Handling a Security issue

Election System million votes or
(RIES) (Gonggrijp, et more
al., n.d.)

“Voter - verified Votes via e-system vote Confidence in the High cost
paper audit receipt also produce. voting results
trail (VVPAT)
system in India”
(Bhuyan, 2019)

Table 2. 2 : Summary of existing e-voting systems

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2.5 Requirement Analysis

Prior to online voting system design, it is need to analyze system requirements.

Requirement analysis is the process of identify expectation from new software being built.
Requirement analysis critical to the success or failure of the system. Identifying functional
and nonfunctional requirements are necessary to produce successful system.

2.5.1 Functional Requirements

Identifying functional requirements and design and develop the system to achieve
these requirements are very important. Some of the functional requirements need to achieve
through the system shows below.

 An administrative dashboard (Admin Login) - Admin can login to the system

and provide different user levels. Admin can monitor voting process through the
dashboard.

 Register voters – By using this feature new voter can register to the system. After
Successful registration username and password send to the registered users via
SMS.

 Registered voter login – Registered voters can log in to the system by providing
username and password. Registered users can view details and registered users can
update basic information like phone number. Changing other critical details done
by election department. Registers voters can request for make changes.

 Update/Delete Voters – Update and delete information done by election

department or GS according to user requests.

 Register Candidate- Candidate can register with the system by providing required
details.

 Voting process – Voter log in to system by providing NIC and password. (Password
is providing by election department by sending SMS to registered phone number).
After log in to system voter can vote to desired party through simple interface.

 Check Results - Any person can view result through result display interface.

 Generate Reports – Generate different types of reports (vote count district vise
and provincial vise, Vote count of each candidate)

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 2.5.2 Non-Functional Requirements

These are basic requirements any online voting system must satisfy.
 Scalability – The system must able to expand for future requirements.
 Flexibility – The system should cope with other technologies without any
hesitation.
 Mobility – Ability of the system to provide a way to cast their votes without any
restriction of the location.
 Democracy – Any voter cannot vote more than one time.
 Security – Votes should not be manipulated during the voting process.

2.6 Related Design Strategies

When developing the online voting system it should consider different design strategies
and need to carefully select the best design strategy for implementation.
There are many open source software projects which are similar to this online voting
system, is freely available on the internet. Other than that many source codes also available
in web. The system should unique to Si Lankan society and people. Therefore this system
needs to address all aspects relevant to Sri Lankan manual voting system. Develop a system
from scratch makes the system more secure.
While developing the system, it is need to consider the hardware environment. If the system
developed as standalone application it may be secure but the cost will be increased by
considerable amount. Because it need to set up standalone application on each and every
personal computer at all the polling booths in all over the country. There’s no need to set
up personal computers or pooling booths in online voting. In online voting, voter needs to
consider only about stable internet connection. With the growing of internet coverage the
internet voting is cheaper than other voting methods.
In online voting it is need to consider servers. Because servers able to handle all the request
of voters. Otherwise system becomes fails.
Linux environment more secure if the e voting system developed as standalone application.
But the software solution is target for online voting it will not depends on system software.
It can access through any device as long as good internet facility provided.
To achieve good design strategy it is need to consider cost, security, accuracy, performance
and so on. Internet voting is the best way to achieve cost effectiveness. Because government
no need to hire huge election duty staff and no need to print ballot sheets. It will lead to
reduce electoral expenses with considerable amount. But in online voting, it is need to
consider all the security threats. Public trustworthiness very important to the voting system.

12
This web based online voting system will provide vote casting at any place at any time. So
the vote casting percentage will be eventually increasing with the system. When consider
above facts, voting system design as web based solution will be the best choice.

13
Chapter 3 - Design

3.1 Introduction
Online voting system is designed for Sri Lankan voters. This system needs to
address all aspects relevant to Sri Lankan manual voting process. Design a system
from scratch makes the system more convenient and secure.

The online voting system is basically design for voting over internet using electronic
ballots. Online voting system includes preparations before the poll, the actual voting
process, counting of votes and provide results after closed the poll.

3.2 System Architecture

This study is mainly focused to develop a voting system which can access from any
location at any time through the internet.
This application designed as a web application. Any eligible voter who is connected
to the internet can access this system by providing user name and password. All the
voter details will store in a central database. The basic architectural diagram of the
system is shown in Figure.3.1.

HTML

HTTP

SMS
Messaging
Server Web Pages

Figure 3. 1 System Architectural Diagram

14
3.3 System Design

The system design will show the overall architecture of the system. The following
block diagram indicates basic components and their interaction among the
components. Each component capable of providing one or more functionalities.

Figure 3. 2 Block Diagram for Software Interaction

Administrator Dashboard

The administrator dashboard is software application that manage entire system

functions. It provides basic CURD (Create, Update, Read and Delete) operations for
monitoring and managing voters, system users and administrators. It also manage the
voting process. The administration dashboard provides login page to restrict
unauthorized access to the dashboard. The flowchart for administration dashboard is
shown below.
The admin user need to login to the system by providing required details. If details are
correct admin panel will open for the admin user. User can perform administration tasks
like provide user levels, manage voting process and generate reports.

15
 Figure 3. 3 Flowchart for Administration Dashboard

Registration Platform

This is where the voters, candidates or political parties registered prior to an

election.
The voter can register with the system by providing the necessary details. The voters
request will be sent to the GS dashboard of voters Grama Niladhari division. The
GS needs to accept the voter’s registration request to complete registration. After
registration completed, username and auto generated password sent to the voter’s
registered mobile number. A voter should use this username and password to login
to the online voting system. The voter also need to use this username and password
to voting for election. If a voter needs to change any information he/she needs to
request for change with valid evidence.
Candidates and political parties also need to register with the system.

Voting Interface

The voter can log in to the election portal by providing username and password.
Authenticated user who login to the system can view the ballot sheet. After login, a
voter can cast their votes by selecting relevant political party and submit the ballot
sheet. Voter get a SMS message to their mobile number after completing their vote
casting successfully. Flowchart for voting process is shown below.

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 Figure 3. 4 Flowchart for Voting Process

Tallying Phrase

Vote counting is done by automatically. The vote count can view, while voting on
process. The public can view number of votes acquired for each party Result can
view anyone using a web application. Administrators and authorized system users
of election commission are responsible to generate necessary reports.

Figure 3. 5 Flowchart for Tallying

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Database
The design of the database is one of a main activity of a software development process.
The relational model database design of the online voting system shows below.

Figure 3. 6 Database Design

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 3.3.1 Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

The information flow throughout the system can view via DFD. (Bangerter, 2010) This
DFD specify the software and people involved in the information flow. Voter, political
party, candidate and admin are external entities to the system. System has main processes
and some are divided in to sub processes.
Admin is an entity who responsible for many processes of the system. Admin responsible
for managing voters, handling voting process, generate reports and publish election results.
Registering voter is done by admin. Manage voter has three sub processes which are add
voter, update voter and delete voter.
After candidate is register with the system, manage candidate is take place. Manage
candidate is decompose in to three sub processes. Those are add candidate, update
candidate and delete candidate. All the information store and retrieve from the central
database throughout system processes.

Figure 3. 7 Data Flow Diagram for Online Voting System

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 3.3.2 Use case Diagram

The actions are performed by the different users can view through the use case diagram.
Following use case diagram represent the functionalities of the online voting system.
System mainly deal with four actors’ names voter, admin, and candidate and system user.
Each actor interacted with one or more use cases.
Voter can perform four action through system which are view registered details, request for
update details, vote for candidate and view election results. To perform each action voter
must to log in to the system.
Candidate is another important actor of the system. Candidate need to register with the
system to perform other actions like view registered details and request for update details.
System user is another actor who deals with the system. System user need to log in to the
system to perform any action. Voter registration, update/delete voter details, approve
candidate registration and update/delete candidate are actions perform by the system user.
Admin is an actor who can perform all the system user actions. Other than those actions
manage voting process, provide user levels and manage full application is up to admin user.

Figure 3. 8 Use Case Diagram for Online Voting System

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 3.3.3 Use Cases Scenario

Table 3. 1 Request for register the voter

Use case name: Request for register the voter ID:1

Primary actor: Voter Priority : medium
Brief Description:
To register with the system voter need to send registration request by providing necessary
information.
Pre-Conditions: None
Basic Flow:
1. Voter need to access to the voter registration portal of the system
2. Voter clicks the “Registration” button
3. The system prompts the voter registration user interface.
4. Voter fills the necessary information
5. Voter submit the registration request by click on submit button.
6. If request correctly placed to the system user
a. It prints successful message.
b. Registration request details save into the database
c. Send SMS to voter’s mobile no with the reference number of the request.
7. Otherwise
a. It prints appropriate error message

Table 3. 2 Request for Update Critical Voter Details

Use case name: Request for Update Critical Voter Details ID:2
Primary actor: Voter Priority : medium
Brief Description:
Voter should edit requited field to update and make request for update.
Pre-Conditions: Registered voter should login to the online voting system
Basic Flow:
1. Voter need to login to the voting system
2. Voter clicks the “Change details” button
3. The system prompts the details of relevant voter
4. Voter clicks on edit button
5. Voter edit the necessary information
6. Voter submit the request by click on Submit button.

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Table 3. 3 Update of Voter Details

Use case name: Update of Voter Details ID:3

Primary actor: System User Priority : high
Brief Description:
System should update necessary voter details.
Pre-Conditions: System user should log in to the online voting system.
System user should get update request from voter.
Basic Flow:
1. System user login to the voting system.
2. Search for the voter that need to update.
3. Check the relevant voter details is correct
4. Click on update button

Table 3. 4 Delete Voter

Use case name: Delete Voter ID:4

Primary actor: System User Priority : high
Brief Description:
System should delete unnecessary voter details.
Pre-Conditions: System user should log in to the online voting system.
Basic Flow:
1. System user log in to the voting system.
2. Check the voter that need to delete.
3. Select the relevant voter
4. Click on delete button

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Table 3. 5 Political Party Registration

Use case name: Political Party Registration ID:5

Primary actor: Secretory of the political party Priority : medium
Brief Description:
In order to name a candidate, political party needs to register.
Pre-Conditions: None
Basic Flow:
1. Political Party access to the home page of the system
2. Clicks on “Political Party Registration Button”
3. The voting system will prompts the political party registration user interface
4. Secretory of the political party fills required political party information
5. Submit the request by click on Submit button
6. If request correctly placed to the system user
a. It prints successful message.
b. Registration request details save into the database
c. Send SMS to registered mobile no with the reference number of the request.
7. Otherwise
b. It display error message

Table 3. 6 Approve Political Party

Use case name: Approve Political Party ID:6

Primary actor: System user Priority : high
Brief Description:
This describes how system user approve political party application and generate new
account
Pre-Conditions: Political party should submit application
System user log in to system
Basic Flow:
1. System user select the request of the political party
2. System user checks the request of the political party
3. If the information is correct,
a) Approve the form by pressing “Approve” button
b) System user generate new user account to the political party
c) Account username and password send to the registered phone number
4. If given information incorrect,
a) System user inform about misinformation via registered phone number

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Table 3. 7 Candidate Registration

Use case name: Candidate Registration ID:7

Primary actor: Candidate Priority : high
Brief Description:
In order to become candidate user must register with the system
Pre-Conditions: Candidate’s political party must register with the system.
Basic Flow:
1. Candidate access to the home page of the system
2. Candidate clicks on “Candidate Registration Button”
3. Candidate need to login to the voting system as a member of the political party by
providing political party username and password
4. The system will prompts the candidate registration user interface
5. Fills the appropriate candidate information
6. Save candidate details
c. If information correctly entered the system display successful message.
d. Otherwise, system display error message

Table 3. 8 View/Update Political Party Registration Details

Use case name: View/Update Political Party Registration Details ID:8

Primary actor: Political Party Priority : medium
Brief Description:
Political party should edit required field to update and make request for update.
Pre-Conditions: Registered political party should log in to the system

Basic Flow:
1. Political party log in to the voting system
2. Clicks the “View Party Details” button
3. The system prompts the details of relevant party
4. Political party clicks on edit button
5. Political party edit the necessary information
6. Political party submit the request by click on Submit button.

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Table 3. 9 Update Candidate Details

Use case name: Update Candidate Details ID:9

Primary actor: Political party secretory Priority : medium
Brief Description:
System should update necessary candidate details.
Pre-Conditions: Political party secretory should log in to the system.
Basic Flow:
1. Political party secretory log in to the voting system.
2. Click the “Change candidate”
3. Update candidate details
4. Click on update button

Table 3. 10 Delete Candidate

Use case name: Delete Candidate ID:10

Primary actor: Political party secretory Priority : high
Brief Description:
System should delete candidate details.
Pre-Conditions: Political party secretory should log in to the system.
Basic Flow:
1. Political party secretory log in to the voting system.
2. Click the “Delete candidate”

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 Table 3. 11 Log in/Log out

Use case name: Log in/Log out ID:11

Primary actor: System User/Candidate/Voter Priority : high
Brief Description:
This describes how system user/candidate and voter login and logout
Pre-Conditions: The user opens login page. User should enter username and password
Basic Flow:
1. The voting system user enter username and password to login interface
(1) If username and password valid, user redirect to relevant page
(2) If username or password not valid, user redirect to login page again with an
error message
2. The voting system user clicks on log out button
i) User logout from system and redirect to the home page.

Table 3. 12 Vote Online

Use case name: Vote online ID:12

Primary actor: Voter Priority : high
Brief Description:
This explains the voting process
Pre-Conditions: Voter should log in to the online voting system.
Basic Flow:
1. Voter log in to the voting portal
2. Voter clicks the “Vote Now” button
3. Voter should provide username and password to the textbox
a) If Voting operation verified
(i) System prompt ballot sheet
(ii) Voter select the political party/candidate
(iii) Voter should click on submit button
(iv) Success message display and send success message send to voters
registered mobile number.
(v) Voter redirect to the home page
b) If Voting operation is not verified,
(i) Online voting system displays an error message.

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Table 3. 13 View Election Results

Use case name: View Election Results ID:13

Primary actor: General Public(Admin,Voter,System Priority : high
User, Candidate)
Brief Description:
Public or other system users view election results
Pre-Conditions:
Basic Flow:

1. Users access to the home page of the system

a) If user is general public(Voter/Candidate)
(i) User clicks on e-data button on the home page
b) If user is admin
(i) Admin login to the voting system.
(ii) click the “Reports” Button
(iii) Select the required report to view
(iv) The voting system shows the relevant report with result

Table 3. 14 Provide User Levels

Use case name: Provide user levels ID:14

Primary actor: Admin Priority : high
Brief Description:
This describes the how admin provides different user levels
Pre-Conditions: Administrator should log in to the online voting system.
Basic Flow:
1. Admin login to the voting system.
2. Add different user levels
3. Send user id and passwords to system user

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Table 3. 15 System User Registration

Use case name: System User Registration ID:15

Primary actor: System user(GS/District Officer) Priority : medium
Brief Description:
In order to access the online voting system users needs to register with the system
according to different user level.
Pre-Conditions: None
Basic Flow:
8. System user access to the home page of the system
9. Clicks on “Registration Button” on officer’s portal.
10. The voting system will prompts the system user registration user interface
according to the user level.
11. System user fills required information
12. Submit the request by click on Submit button
13. If request correctly placed to the admin
a. It prints successful message.
b. Registration request details save into the database
c. Send SMS to registered mobile no with the reference number of the request.
14. Otherwise
e. It display error message

Table 3. 16 Approve System User

Use case name: Approve System User ID:16

Primary actor: Admin Priority : high
Brief Description:
This describes how system user approve system user application and generate new
account
Pre-Conditions: System user should submit application
Admin log in to system
Basic Flow:
1. Admin select the request of the System user
2. Admin checks the request of the System user
3. If the information is correct,
d) Approve the form by pressing “Approve” button
e) Admin generate new user account to the System user
f) Account username and password send to the registered phone number
4. If given information incorrect,
b) Admin user inform about misinformation via registered phone number

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3.3.4 Sequence Diagrams

3.3.4.1 Sequence Diagram for Administrator Dashboard

Sequence diagrams shows interaction among various parts of the system. (Athuraliya,
2013). In a sequence diagram, messages between actor and user interface indicate the action
taken by the user. The following diagram outlines the sequential order of the interaction in
the online voting system admin dashboard with actor who is admin.
First admin must insert ‘login details’ to Log in interface. Login interface communicate
with database and check login details are valid or not. If login details are valid, admin can
log in to the admin panel. Admin need to provide different user levels to system users. The
system user details are saved in to database.
When election time comes, admin need to interact with start election process user interface
by click on ‘start election process’ button. The user interface communicate with the
database and send a message to admin indicating whether action is successful or not.
To view voting result admin need to interact with view result user interface. User interface
send message to database and fetch results and display in admin panel ‘view result’
interface. As last step of voting process admin need to interact with stop voting user
interface.
After completing relevant actions, admin should sign out from the online voting system by
using logout button located on the navigation bar on user interface.

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 Login

Figure 3. 9 Sequence Diagram for Administrator Dashboard

3.3.4.2 Sequence Diagram for System User Dashboard

The following diagram outline the interaction among system user and system user
dashboard. System user need to perform different actions through online voting system.
Add new voter, update/delete voter, accept candidate registration and update delete
candidate are main action need to perform by system user. To perform those tasks system
user need to login with login interface. Login interface communicate with database and
check login details valid or not. If login details are valid, system can login to the system
user dashboard.
System user need to interact with ‘Register voter’ interface to add new voter to the system.
System user need to fill necessary information of relevant voter and click on insert button
on user interface. UI will communicate with database and save voter details. If details are
successfully inserted to the database user can view success message through interface.
System user need to interact with ‘update/delete voter details’ UI to update or delete voters.
System user need to select voter through UI and send message to the database to

30
update/delete voter. The database send message to user interface indicating operations’
success or failure.
After candidate register with the system, system user need to accept candidate according to
guidelines. To carry out this task system user need to interact with accept candidate
registration UI. After check validity of provided information, user interface communicate
with the database and send message indicating success or failure of the registration process.
This message can view through ‘accept candidate registration’ user interface.
System user need to interact with ‘update/delete candidate details’ UI to update or delete
candidates. System user need to select candidate through UI and send message to the
database to update/delete candidate. The database send message to user interface indicating
operations’ success or failure.

Login

Figure 3. 10 Sequence Diagram for System User Dashboard

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 3.3.4.3 Sequence Diagram for Voting Process

The following diagram outline the interaction among voter and voting process. To cast a
vote voter need to login with login interface. Login interface communicate with database
and check login details valid or not. If login details are valid, voter can view main voting
panel.
Voter need to interact with ‘Main voting panel’ interface to vote for a candidate. Voter need
to select candidate he/she need to vote and click on vote now button on user interface. The
user interface communicate with the database record the choice. Database send a message
to voter and user interface indicating success of the action.
After completing voting, voter need to logout from the system by using logout button on
user interface.

Figure 3. 11 Sequence Diagram for Voting Process

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Chapter 4 - Implementation

4.1 System Implementation

The system design convert into the working product is the main goal of system
implementation.
This online voting system is implemented using Net Beans IDE, PHP, MySQL database,
HTML, CSS, Bootstrap and JAVA Script. Bootstrap is toolkit for UI design. FPDF report
generating tool use to report generating in this study.

As mentioned above Net Beans IDE use as the software development application that
provides good facilities for software development. Net Beans is open source software IDE
which can work on many platforms such as Windows and Linux. Net Beans is great tool
which is very easy to use. It provides great compatibility to other software tools.
The Language used in coding is PHP. PHP is an open source language which is mostly
used for web application development. PHP also support for html, JavaScript. Most of the
web servers support for PHP installation. It is available open source language pack which
means any user can use this without making any payment.
MySQL is database management system which is widely use all over the world. MySQL
databases are typically use these type of web applications and accessed using PHP

4.2 System Modules

This System consists of several modules such as admin panel, voter’s portal, candidate’s
portal, and voting process, result generating process and displaying results. Interfaces use
to connecting one module to another. Below diagram shows routine of each and every
module in system

Implementation comprises of different modules or web forms and other supporting files
such as the style sheet, and a master page. Below shows them one after the other.

33
 Figure 4. 1 Module Interaction of the System

 config.php
This file is created in such a way that it has a single connection string which is used by all
the modules. See the code below.

34
 Home page

The Home is a provide links to most of the other pages. See design below

Figure 4. 2 Home Page

 Login Page
Every system user need to log in to the system. After inserting login details system
decide relevant user group and direct to the relevant page accordingly. See design
and major code below.

Figure 4. 3 User Login Page

35
This code segment check whether username and password correct and if provided
details valid this code segment also differentiate user level according to database
values and redirect to relevant page.

36
  Voting Page

This page provides voter to cast their vote. After submitting their vote system increased the
vote cast accordingly. See design and major code below

Figure 4. 4 Voting Page

Below code segment use to send ballot sheet data to database.

37
 Admin dashboard panel

Admin user is responsible for most of the system tasks.

Figure 4. 5 Admin Dashboard

• Display Results

Figure 4. 6 Election Result UI

38
This code segment help to draw pie chart according to vote count.

39
Chapter 5 - Testing and Evaluation

5.1 Introduction

System testing is used to find the weakness of the integrated system. Main purpose is testing
is capture the errors and checking the system is working well according to the parameters
established for it. System testing usually begins at the earlier stage of system development
life cycle. Testing plan starts immediately after requirement analysis which lead to identify
weaknesses before the design phase begun. During design phase, it is possible to come up
with different testing approaches like unit testing, integration testing and system testing.
Doing different testing approaches at the earlier stage gives the ability to explore some of
weakness and mistakes such as poor naming convention of variables, data connectivity
issues, inconsistencies in fixing the requirements and so on.

5.2 Test Plan

A test plan like any other plan is defined as a series of tests activities that will be conducted
during test. It also serves as a checklist which is used to determine which testing step is to
be done first and which is to be done last and with which tool and methodology is to be
implemented. It is important to understand that a test plan is nothing but a piece or
collection of document which is organized in a well-structured form by following a specific
defined standard. In this project, the following criteria were set as part of the plan for
conducting a successful testing on the system.

1. Black-box testing should be implemented on each and every module. This is to

ensure that all modules have meet their specification requirements. Hence, the type
of testing to be conducted here is unit testing.
2. White-Box testing should be implemented on the program source codes to ensure
that no logical errors are found. Therefore, all Graphic user interfaces should be
checked carefully by checking how responsive they are to mouse and keyboard
events. This will enable the tester to know whether the interfaces are communicating
with one another efficiently or not.
3. The next plan is to test the flow or exchange of data between the different modules.
This is to be supported by the use of DFD diagrams and simulators.
4. Requirement testing should also be carried out towards the end of the project before
implementing. This will ensure that the requirements and specifications were dully
followed during development.

40
5.3 Test cases

5.3.1 Administrator Dashboard

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Check for Enter admin’s user name Display admin panel Display admin
successful Enter admin’s password with username of dashboard.
login Click on “login” button admin

Check for Enter admin’s user name Display error Display error
login Enter admin’s password message indicating message indicating
failure Click on “login” button username or username or
password invalid password invalid

Check for Select the data relevant to admin form Display admin data Admin data
all the data database. displayed
relevant to Display relevant data
admin
displayed
Check for Click on “logout” button Session clear and Redirected to the
successful redirect to home page home page
logout

Table 5. 1 Unit Test for Administrator Dashboard

41
 5.3.2 Authorized Officer Dashboard

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Check for Enter officer’s user name Display officer panel Display officer
successful Enter officer’s password with username of the dashboard.
login Click on “login” button officer

Check for Enter officer’s user name Display error Display error
login Enter officer’s password message indicating message
failure Click on “login” button username or indicating
password invalid username or
password invalid
Check for Select the data relevant to officer form Display officer data Officer data
all the data database. displayed
relevant to Display relevant data
officer
displayed
Delete Login to officer dashboard Delete political party Political party
Political Search for political party details from details details are deleted
Party server
Delete political party details
Update Log in to officer dashboard Update political party Political party
Political Search for political party details from details details are
Party server updated
Update political party details

Delete Search for voter details from database Delete relevant voter Voter details are
voter server details deleted
Delete voter details

Update Search for voter details from server. Update relevant voter “Voter details are
voter Update voter details details. updated” message
Send message to shown.
voter’s mobile
number if password
or username updated.
Log out Click log out button Redirect officer to Redirect officer
home screen to home screen

Table 5. 2 Unit Test for Authorized Officer Dashboard

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 5.3.3 Voting

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Login Pass Input voter user name Show ballot sheet with Ballot sheet shown.
Input voter password welcome message with
Click the login button voter’s username.

Login failed Input officer user name If password or username Display messages
Input officer password incorrect display message showing “username
Click the login button showing “username or or password invalid”
password invalid”. or “You already
Otherwise show the message voted”
“You already voted”
Display Automatically query the data Show ballot sheet Show ballot sheet
ballot sheet from the server and show
ballot sheet
Voting Select political party name Vote count increased Vote count
Click the submit button accordingly. increased.
Send successful message to Successful message
the voters registered phone send to the voters
no and redirect to the home registered phone no
page and redirected to the
home page

Table 5. 3 Unit Test for Voting Process

5.3.4 View Result

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Check the Access online voting system home page Display voting results Voting results
result page shown
Click on e-data button
loaded
correctly
Check for Access online voting system home page Result page loading Result page load
result page time should less, at within 1.45
Click on e-data button
loading least 2 seconds seconds
speed

Table 5. 4 Result Interface

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 5.3.5 Voter Registration

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Register voter Get all voter details Display message voter “Voter Registered”.
Check for input validity registered. Message shown.
Click register Send Username and Username and
Insert voter details password to voter’s mobile password sent to
Send details to server number. voter’s mobile
Send login details to voter via number.
SMS

Table 5. 5 Voter Registration

5.3.6 Political Party Registration

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Register Insert political party details Display political party “Political party
Political Party Click on register button registered. Registered” message
Send details to server Send successful message to shown.
Send registration details to the the registered mobile Send successful
registered mobile number number via SMS message to registered
mobile number

Table 5. 6 Political Party Registration

5.3.7 Candidate Registration

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Register Insert candidate details Display political party “Candidate
candidate Click on register button registered. Registered” message
Send details to server Send successful message to shown.
Send registration details to the the registered mobile Send successful
registered mobile number number via SMS message to registered
mobile number

Table 5. 7 Candidate Registration

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 5.3.8 Change Voter Details

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Change voter Log in to voter’s portal Send notification to Notification send to
details Change details officer’s dashboard. officer dashboard.
Click on request change
details button.

Table 5. 8 Change Voter Details

5.3.9 Change Political Party Details

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Change Log in to political party’s Send notification to Notification send to
political party portal officer’s dashboard. officer dashboard.
details Change details
Click on request change
details button.

Table 5. 9 Change Political Party Details

5.3.10 Change Candidate Details

Test Steps Expected Results Test Results

Change Log in to candidate’s portal Update candidate details Candidate details
candidate Change details updated.
details Click on update button.

Table 5. 10 Change Candidate Details

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5.4 Tests conducted on system testing

5.4.1 Unit Testing

This begins as soon as starting the system design. The modules were tested one after
the other in order to detect any irregularities such as errors or mistakes. And based
on that, every single interface tested as soon it was created.

5.4.2 Integration Testing

After all the modules were completely tested as per unit testing, the next thing was
to begin testing those modules which have to be integrated with others for them to
be able to produce the expected result. In this point connectivity between the front
end and the back end was tested. This is very important at this stage because having
an integral part communicating with the other part is what shows a sign of success
in the testing. Other system interfaces were also tested to ensure that the mouse and
keyboard events such as clicking, scrolling and typing are having effects on the
respective interfaces.

5.4.3 System Testing

At this point, all elements were put together under one roof to ensure that there is
constant flow and exchange of data within all the components and without any error
small or big.

5.4.4 Usability Testing

In this testing segment, the system was able to prove how easy and understandable it
is to its users. The interfaces were made easy, so much so that any person can operate
it. However, different use scenarios were involved, all in ensuring good atmosphere
for operation.

5.4.5 Compatibility Testing

This is a very crucial aspect to tackle as compatibility is one of the major concerns
for many users. Different people are having different devices with different
architecture and platforms. In that regard, we had to ensure that the system could
cater for all the needs of the users. Especially issues related to browser. This project
is a web based application. Therefore, there is a serious concern for users who would

46
want to access the site using mobiles and other types of handheld devices. And in
response to that, we made sure that the voting system is operate with the bootstrap
platform which makes it easier to manipulate by all form of browsers. And all the
tested devices gave a very good and positive results.

As mentioned above, below shows some user interfaces that use to access voters
portal though smart phone. It proves that most of the required interfaces are working
fine with mobile devices.

Figure 5. 1 Supports multi device compatibility

5.4.6 Security Testing

As a matter of fact, security is one of the major concern of our users. This includes
the questions like are our votes secured and safe from any illegal alteration? And in
tackling that, the system ensured that proper login system is provided, and also,
system ensured that both the voters and admin have restricted access to the voting
environment. Nevertheless, we cannot deny the fact that not much have been done
under security testing, but with time, we hope to achieve a better security
infrastructure by considering better ways to improve the system security wise.

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Chapter 6 - Conclusion

The electronic voting is a challenging field. Electronic voting rapidly developed in past few
years. The reason for that is development of new technologies. The detailed analysis of this
study shows it has both positive and negative aspects.
Here, the election administrators can provide election results easily and quickly when
compare with manual voting. The online voting system allows voters to cast their votes
through internet without attending to polling booth. Therefore by using this type of method
for voting process will be lead to increase voting percentage. There are many benefits of
such a system like fast accessing, improved security, easiness of maintain voting
information and reduction of utilization of resources. According to the facts of this study
emphasis, the online voting has more advantages when compare with manual voting.
This system provides anonymity which means the voter’s identification is impossible. If
the system not able to achieve this, it will definitely lead to voter manipulation. On the
other hand the system has no proper way to detect any un-matching result. This is a negative
aspect of the system. This issue needs to address the future development of the study.
Most challenging part of this system is security handling. Online voting has many security
threats. To overcome some of the security issues, here the system use SMS facility. The
system sends user name and password to the voter as SMS. But it maybe not sufficient to
address these type of critical system. So the system need to use different type of
cryptographic technology to send those messages. But this system not use that technology
for implementation. For future development of this study need to address security issues
thoroughly.
The system only developed for presidential election processes of Sri Lanka. This system
need to extend for parliamentary elections as future work. This system also need to improve
security as mentioned earlier. The system need to improve web accessibility for disable
people. It is also need to provide different language platform for system users.

48
List of References

Antonyan, T., 2010. State-Wide Elections, Optical Scan Voting Systems, and the Pursuit of Integrity.
January.p. 15.

Athuraliya, A., 2013. What is Sequence Diagram? Complete Guide with Examples. [Online]
Available at: https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/sequence-diagram-tutorial/
[Accessed 10 March 2021].

Bangerter, J., 2010. Data Flow Diagram Symbols, Types, and Tips. [Online]
Available at: https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/data-flow-diagram-tutorial
[Accessed 10 March 2021].

Bhuyan, D. J., 2019. Effectiveness of Electronic Voting Machine in the Electoral System of India: New
Opportunities and Challenges. 2 July, 8(2), p. 8.

Cock, D. D., 2010. Electronic Voting in BelgiumPast and Future. s.l., s.n., p. 38.

Fischer, E. A., 2007. The Direct Recording Electronic Voting Machine (DRE) Controversy: FAQs and
Misperceptions, s.l.: Congressional Research Service.

Gerlach, J. & Gasser, U., 2009. Three Case Studies from Switzerland:, s.l.: Berkman Center Research.

Goldsmith, B. & Ruthrauff, H., 2013. Case Study Report on Brazil Electronic Voting: 1996 to Present.
s.l., United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Gonggrijp, R., Hengeveld, W.-J. & Hotting, E., n.d. RIES - Rijnland Internet Election System:a cursory
study of published source code. [Online]
Available at: http://wijvertrouwenstemcomputersniet.nl/images/4/41/VoteID_2009_-_RIES.pdf
[Accessed 8 Febuary 2021].

Herrnson, P. S., Niemi, R. G., Hanmer, M. J. & Bederson, B., 2008. The Current State of Electronic
Voting in the United States. p. 25.

Krimmer, R. & Volkamer, M., 2014. The Development of Remote E-Voting Around the World: A
Review of Roads and Directions. s.l., s.n., p. 16.

NDI, 2013. E-voting Audits in Venezuela. [Online]

Available at: https://www.ndi.org/e-voting-guide/examples/e-voting-audits-venezuela
[Accessed 8 February 2021].

Nwogu, E., 2016. Supervised Public Network Direct Recording Electronic Voting (PNDRE Voting) on
Existing Global System for Mobile Communication Infrastructure; a Panacea for Cheap E-voting
System Implementation in Nigeria. 3(2), p. 9.

phppoint, 2017. Online Voting System. [Online]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuN4h2_v6AI&feature=emb_logo
[Accessed 29 January 2021].

UAE mGovernment, 2020. eVoting in the UAE. [Online]

Available at: https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government/evoting-in-the-uae
[Accessed 8 February 2021].

49
Wikimedia Foundation, 2021. Vote counting in the Philippines. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vote_counting_in_the_Philippines
[Accessed 8 February 2021].

50
Appendices

MIS Report Module

The system provides different type of reports based on election results.

Vote count report
The administrator and the any person can view vote distribution report. This report shows
vote count for each political party.

51
The administrator can view reports which are vote count based on each province, district
or polling division vice.

Vote count report based on province vice

52
Vote count report based on district vice

53
Vote count report based on polling division vice

54
Through system admin can get a report about percentage of voters used their votes in
each province.

Through system admin can get a report about percentage of voters used their votes in
each district.

55
Through system admin can get a report about percentage of voters used their votes in
each polling division.

Through system admin can get a report about vote count for each political party based on
each province.

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 User Guide for Voters
1. Voter Registration

After you access to the home page, you can see the following screen. Then you have to click
on the voter’s portal.

Click on “Voters Portal”

Then click on “Voter Registration” button.

Click on “Voters
Registration”

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 Then you can view following window. Fill the information correctly and click on “Register”
button. Then you will get a SMS to your registered phone number. After accepting your
registration request by GS of your village you will get the username and password to the
registered mobile number. If you not get any response within a week you can contact GS of
your village

After filling the form click

on “Registration” button

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 2. Change Voter Details

After you access to the home page, you can see the following screen. Then you have to click
on the voter’s portal

Click on “Voters Portal”

To login to the system, enter your username and password through following window.

59
 Then you can view your information. To change information click the “Change Details”
button.

Click on “Change Details”

Then you can see following window. Change the details and click on submit button. To
change critical information click on the link in red color.

To change other details click

here

First click on “Change Basic

Details”

After changing details click on

“Submit” button

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 3. Vote for Election

After you access to the home page, you can see the following screen. Then you have to click
on the “E-voting presidential election 2021”

Click here

To login to the system, enter your username and password through following window.

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Then click on “select” button and Then click on submit button.

Click on
“Submit”

You will receive SMS indicating success of your voting.

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