Since 2015, the tool has significantly evolved to support the electoral scrutiny process. Initially requiring internet access, it later developed into a desktop version used in the 2016 General Election Recalls and the 2018 Regional Elections. During these events, the need to give digital value to signatures emerged, prompting efforts for legal validation, which was essential to avoid challenges to the electoral process. Despite meeting all security measures, the tool's signatures lacked legal validity, a gap resolved with PCM certification.

With ONPE's accreditation as a Digital Certificate Issuance and Registration Entity (EREP) by the Competent Administrative Authority (INDECOPI) and the implementation of STAE EREP, a significant step has been taken in modernizing public management and digital government. This innovation allows poll workers and party representatives to digitally sign scrutiny records, granting legal value to the digital documents containing election results.

So far, ONPE has projected to implement the STAE in 18,000 polling stations during the General Elections and the Regional and Municipal Elections of 2026, distributed across 15 districts of Lima and 7 of Callao. For the Second Regional Election of 2026, ONPE plans to apply the STAE in 103 districts nationwide, benefiting over 5 million voters in each election.

During the implementation of the STAE EREP version, agreements were established:

- PCM designated as the National Certification Authority, issuing digital certificates. ONPE requests certification of the public key.
- INDECOPI provides training and advice on electronic signatures for Certification Service Providers of the ONPE.

With this innovation, the following benefitted:

- The polling station members: in the conducted study, expressed that the STAE is an intuitive and easy-to-use tool, allowing them to complete their tasks in less time and return home earlier.
- Political organizations and citizens in general, as the results are transmitted from the same polling location, enabling faster processing.

According to the evaluation report of the STAE used in the 2022 Regional and Municipal Elections (ERM), the STAE EREP was well received by the polling station members, achieving successful implementation. Out of the 8000 polling stations projected for its use, only 29 did not utilize it.

Comparing the ERMs of 2014, 2018, and 2022 in the districts of Ate, Comas, San Martín de Porres, Villa María del Triunfo, and San Juan de Lurigancho, it was identified that in the 2018 ERM, with the use of STAE, more than 99% of the designated stations were processed on the same election day (Source: Report 000968-2022-SGGDI-GITE/ONPE).

For future electoral processes, it is projected to increase the number of polling stations with STAE to 18,000, covering all districts of Callao and 15 districts of Lima Metropolitan Area. Additionally, its implementation is considered in a possible second regional round in 103 districts nationwide.

During the implementation of the STAE EREP in the ERM2022, a proposal was presented to the representatives of the National Jury of Elections (JNE) to issue the Scrutiny Records in a digital format with legal validity, as they would be digitally signed by the polling station members and party representatives. The elimination of printer use was also suggested. However, the JNE responded that its regulations for observed records require the Scrutiny Record to be printed.

Currently, an improvement in the STAE is being developed, which includes capturing photos of the polling station members and party representatives when generating digital certificates and signing documents digitally. Additionally, the initial idea of eliminating document printing is being reinforced. To achieve this, further coordination with the JNE will take place to update its regulations for observed records.

The ONPE's infrastructure comprises primary and contingency application and database servers. The PKI infrastructure employs the EJBCA platform for intermediate certificates and the Singserver platform for timestamps, ensuring legal validity of digital certificates. Projects follow the "Information Security" and "Quality" policies. STAE implementation involves specialized teams: User, Development, Quality Control, Infrastructure, Electoral IT Equipment, Deployment, ODPE, and end users. Highly skilled human and financial resources support software development, infrastructure maintenance, and staff training. ONPE prioritizes integrity, transparency, and efficiency in electoral processes, aiming to enhance result reliability and speed, and provide secure tools for end users.

The STAE EREP was initially utilized in the 2022 ERM, covering 8000 polling stations. Subsequently, it was employed in the 2023 Supplementary Municipal Elections, overseeing 72 polling stations, all of which processed votes using STAE. This year, STAE will be utilized again in the 2024 Supplementary Municipal Elections, overseeing a total of 12 polling stations, scheduled for May 26, 2024.

STAE generates legally valid electoral records, requiring coordination with the National Jury of Elections to ensure acceptance of digitally signed PDFs in their Rules of Observed Acts, facilitating the issuance of corresponding resolutions.

After each electoral process, a detailed report is prepared documenting our experience with the application. This report analyzes the lessons learned, identifies potential areas for improvement, and describes the corrective actions taken to address any challenges or threats encountered during the process. We believe that sharing these lessons with other professionals in our field can be invaluable in enhancing the integrity and efficiency of future electoral processes worldwide.

Currently, we are conducting an analysis to enhance the STAE. This involves implementing the capture of photos of polling station members and party representatives at the time of their registration. This improvement aims to ensure authenticity and prevent repudiation by the involved electoral actors.