Rasmané Pagbelguem's doctoral thesis offers algorithm to curb fraud in Burkina Faso elections and public contracts

Rasmané Pagbelguem defended his PhD thesis on 27 July 2026 at the University Joseph Ki‑Zerbo in Ouagadougou. The research introduced a new metric‑based decision procedure called the Strict Ranking Metric Procedure (SRMP), which selects the option that generates the least disagreement among decision‑makers.

The proposed method targets two key public sectors: procurement of public contracts and the organization of elections. Pagbelguem argues that an approval‑vote system, implemented digitally, could deliver results within hours and at substantially lower cost, while reducing opportunities for manipulation and corruption. The thesis received the “Très honorable” distinction.

Pagbelguem intends to translate the theoretical work into software applications in collaboration with engineers, aiming to offer the tools to Burkinabè public institutions for more transparent and efficient decision‑making.