Mathematics

Studies from University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the area of computer modelling published

  2008 NOV 24 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to recent research published in the journal Mathematical and Computer Modelling, "It is immensely challenging to devise a voting system that guarantees both the correct reflection of the will of the voters and the secrecy of the ballots, based solely on compelling, objective evidence. In response to this challenge, various voting protocols have been proposed, typically using cryptography, that seek to base the assurance of accuracy on transparency and auditability."

  "This approach is neatly captured by the maxim ''verify the election results, not the voting system!''. Such protocols strive to achieve a new requirement, that of voter-verifiability: voters are able to confirm that their vote is accurately counted while maintaining ballot secrecy. This paper describes the concept of voter-verifiability, and it outlines a particular voting protocol, the Pret a Voter protocol, for achieving voter-verifiability. A new version of the protocol that exploits some special features of the Paillier encryption algorithm is presented. This gives a more elegant and robust implementation of Pret a Voter than the previous versions. In particular, the fact that Paillier encryption allows the secret key holder to recover the randomisation as well as the plaintext, enables a simplified auditing of the ballot receipts and avoids the need to provide Zero-Knowledge Proofs. The use of Verified Random Functions is proposed as a way to prevent any manipulation undermining the secrecy requirements," wrote P.Y.A. Ryan and colleagues, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

  The researchers concluded: "Finally, a new construction of the ballot forms used in the Pret a Voter protocol is presented that allows the ballot forms to carry full permutations of the candidates rather than simple cyclic shifts of earlier, re-encryption mix versions of this protocol."

  Ryan and colleagues published their study in Mathematical and Computer Modelling (Pret a Voter with Paillier encryption. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 2008;48(9-10):1646-1662).

  For additional information, contact P.Y.A. Ryan, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, School Computational Science, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, Tyne & Wear, UK.

  The publisher's contact information for the journal Mathematical and Computer Modelling is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

  Keywords: Algorithms, Computers, Cryptography, Data Management, Election Results, Encryption, Encryption Algorithm, Government, Information Encryption, Information Technology, Mathematics, Politics, Software, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Mathematics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Mathematics via VerticalNews.com.