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Top1. Organization Background
The Computer Technology Institute and Press “Diophantus” is a research and technology organization focusing on research and development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Particular emphasis is placed on education, by developing and deploying conventional and digital media in education and lifelong learning; publishing printed and electronic educational materials; administrating and managing the Greek School Network; and supporting the organization and operation of the electronic infrastructure of the Greek Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs and all educational units. Since its establishment in 1985, and in the past decades of rapid technological development, CTI has actively contributed to many of the advances that today are taken for granted.
The Information Society Sectors are the organization’s conveying mechanisms of know-how, in turn supporting the Hellenic State’s devolvement into the Information Society. The Sectors, which are currently the following, are coordinated by the Board of Executives:
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Educational Technology Sector;
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Networking Technologies Sector;
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E-Government Sector;
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Center of Telematics & Applications for regional development;
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Further Education & Training Sector;
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Strategic & Development Policy Sector;
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Computing & Networking Systems Security Sector.
The work that resulted in the PNYKA system was done in collaboration between CTI and EXPERTNET Advanced Applications S.A. The work was partially supported by the General Secretariat of Research and Technology of Greece, under the project PNYKA (project code DEL_2, decision 8948/04.05.06, project site http://pnyka.cti.gr/), Operational Program of Western Greece, 3rd Community Support Framework.
With respect to the acceptance of the projects’ results, on June 13th 2008, CTI submitted the PNYKA system at the “eVoting Competition 2008” organized by the Competence Center for Electronic Voting and Participation sponsored by Internet Foundation Austria (IFA). The Competition targeted non-commercial, internet eVoting systems fully developed using open source tools and takes place for the first time in Europe. The PNYKA system was awarded the first prize from among numerous submissions from all over Europe.
Top2. Setting The Stage
During the last decades, we have witnessed a rapid growth of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as well as the diffusion of Internet in people’s lives. These facts, in conjunction with the need for more efficient and economical government services have led to an increase of eGovernment services in many countries. In this context, democratic societies face the challenge to improve public participation in political debate and policy formation processes, realizing the concept of eParticipation. One of the most important and critical facets of eParticipation is Electronic Voting or eVoting. eVoting has attracted lately the attention of many governments as an alternative to conventional voting with the hope to increase citizens’ participation and reduce the costs.