Title: Gender difference in the behavioural acceptance of electronic voting machines (EVM) in the electoral process of Bangladesh

Authors: Md. Abu Sayem; Maruf Hasan Rumi; Md. Limon Bhuiyan

Addresses: Department of Local Government and Urban Development, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, 2200, Bangladesh ' Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh ' Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh

Abstract: This study aims to explore the gender difference in the acceptance of electronic voting machines (EVM) in Bangladesh's electoral process. This study followed the explanatory research design using quantitative research approach. The independent variables were developed from Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and technology acceptance model (TAM). The primary data was collected following questionnaire schedule and five-point Likert scale was utilised to design the questionnaire. The study highlights a notable discrepancy in the adoption of EVM between male and female citizens. Women exhibit a higher level of positivity in comparison to men in this aspect. Another key observation from the study is that performance expectancy had the greatest impact in distinguishing between gender groups. However, trust in technology and effort expectancy variables did not have any significant effect on behavioural acceptance in respect of responders' gender.

Keywords: EVM; electronic voting machines; electoral culture; gender lens; voting behaviour; technology acceptance; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.152649

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2025 Vol.17 No.4, pp.469 - 484

Received: 10 Mar 2025
Accepted: 22 Apr 2025
Published online: 01 Apr 2026 *

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