Romania has taken a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology into its electoral processes, utilizing it for counting and validating votes during the presidential election on November 24. The initiative, spearheaded by the Permanent Electoral Authority (ROAP), highlights the nation’s commitment to transparency and data security in the democratic process.
A Romanian blockchain developer from Pi Squared noted that the implementation of blockchain technology aims to ensure the integrity of the election. The system enables real-time tracking of transactions via a public ledger displayed on a dashboard accessible through the ROAP website. As of now, over 83,000 blocks containing cryptographically verified votes have been recorded on the blockchain.
Collaborative Efforts and European Integration
Romania’s Special Telecommunication Service (STS) has played a key role in developing the blockchain-based electoral system in collaboration with ROAP. The system operates on the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), a network comprising nodes spread across 27 European countries. According to an STS announcement, this approach strengthens the electoral system’s resilience by ensuring traceability and enhancing trust in data integrity.
For the first time, digital fingerprints of Romania’s election data are anchored in the EBSI blockchain, an initiative led by the European Commission. This integration introduces an additional layer of security, aligning Romania’s election processes with cutting-edge technological standards.
Romania’s Blockchain Milestones
Romania has consistently demonstrated its leadership in blockchain innovation. In 2023, the ICI Decentralized Services introduced an NFT trading platform in partnership with the MultiversX Foundation. This initiative, operating on the MultiversX (EGLD) blockchain, marked a significant advancement in the country’s digital ecosystem.
In 2024, Romania’s national news agency, Agerpres, took blockchain adoption a step further by publishing official news as NFTs. These reports were permanently registered on the MultiversX blockchain, showcasing the technology’s potential for creating immutable records.
MultiversX and Romania’s Role in Blockchain Innovation
MultiversX, a Romania-based Layer 1 blockchain, has gained international recognition for its technological advancements and robust development ecosystem. Its creators, Beniamin Mincu, Lucian Mincu, and Lucian Todea, have significantly expanded Romania’s presence in the global blockchain community.
MultiversX is considered a strong competitor to Ethereum and other leading blockchain platforms such as XRP and ADA. Experts have highlighted its potential, particularly its innovative sharding technology, which some describe as the “technological Holy Grail” of cryptocurrency. Analysts predict significant growth for MultiversX, citing its strong team, supportive community, and consistent development.
The platform has also formed partnerships with global entities like Alibaba Cloud, reflecting its efforts to enter the Asian market and support startups leveraging its infrastructure for innovative solutions.
A Global Model for Transparent Elections
Romania’s use of blockchain in the 2024 presidential election demonstrates how this technology can set new standards for electoral transparency and data immutability. By anchoring election data to a blockchain, governments worldwide could adopt similar measures to enhance trust and integrity in their democratic systems.
This move also underscores the broader potential of blockchain for creating scalable, secure solutions in various industries. Romania’s advancements in this field solidify its position as a pioneer in integrating decentralized technologies into public and private sectors alike.