PUkalvot

PUkalvot is an open-source protocol and software suite designed to support participatory governance and secure online voting. It provides a modular platform for local governments, nonprofits, and community groups to manage proposals, discussions, voting, and accountability trails in a transparent manner.

Origin and scope: The project emerged in the early 2020s in response to growing interest in digital democracy and the need for auditable, privacy-preserving voting systems. The name PUkalvot is derived from a combination of “public” and a neologism for votes, signaling an emphasis on inclusive, verifiable decision-making.

Architecture and features: The platform includes a voter registry with privacy protections, end-to-end verifiable ballot casting, cryptographic tallying, and a workflow for proposal management and discussion threads. It supports multi-round voting, preference aggregation, and accessibility features for users with disabilities. It is designed to interoperate with existing identity providers and governmental registries via standardized APIs, enabling integration with existing civil processes.

Governance and adoption: PUkalvot is maintained by an international consortium of developers, civil society groups, and municipal representatives. Pilot deployments have occurred in multiple municipalities and non-governmental projects focusing on participatory budgeting, citizen referenda, and stakeholder consultation. The project emphasizes open-source licensing and transparent governance.

Security and reception: Proponents highlight transparency, auditability, and inclusivity, while critics raise concerns about the digital divide, implementation costs, and potential for coercion. Independent security audits and ongoing community oversight are emphasized as part of the governance model.

Related topics include e-voting, participatory budgeting, digital democracy, cryptographic voting, and open-source government software.