In this column I had to deal with the biometric system and to ensure our citizens are clear on what is biometric. Even senior politicians from the government side need a lesson. The use of biometrics in the electoral process has gained attention and been implemented in many democratic countries around the world as a means to enhance security, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate voter identification. Biometrics refers to the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics of individuals. Common biometric modalities used in elections include fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition.
Here are some ways biometrics are used in the electoral process:
- Voter Registration: Biometric data can be collected during voter registration to create a biometric database of eligible voters. This helps ensure that each person is registered only once and prevents multiple registrations or impersonation.
- Voter Verification: Biometric systems can be used at polling stations to verify the identity of voters. This involves capturing the biometric data (such as fingerprint or iris scan) and comparing it against the data stored in the database to authenticate the voter’s identity.
- Elimination of Duplicate Voting: By using biometrics, electoral authorities can detect and prevent duplicate voting. If a voter attempts to cast multiple ballots using different identities, the biometric system can flag the duplication and prevent fraudulent voting.
- Enhancing Voter Confidence: Biometric systems can contribute to increasing voter confidence in the electoral process by providing a secure and reliable means of identification. It helps prevent voter impersonation and reduces the chances of electoral fraud, thereby promoting transparency and fairness.
- Efficient Electoral Processes: Biometric systems can streamline the voting process by reducing manual verification procedures, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing the time required for voter identification. This can help expedite the voting process and minimise long queues at polling stations.
- Enhancing Accessibility: Biometric systems can be particularly useful for individuals with disabilities or those who may have difficulties presenting traditional identification documents. Biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans, can be more easily obtained and used for identification purposes.
However, it’s important to note that the use of biometrics in the electoral process also raises certain concerns and challenges. These may include privacy issues, potential biases in the technology, data security concerns, and the need for robust legal frameworks to govern the collection, storage, and use of biometric data. The APNU+AFC is ready to support any legal framework and policies to aid in the electoral process development that can bring confidence to the people of Guyana.
The adoption and implementation of biometrics in the electoral process vary across countries, depending on their specific legal, technological, and social contexts. Some countries have successfully integrated biometric systems into their electoral processes, while others are still exploring or considering its implementation. The time is ripe for Guyana to implement hers.
I had the opportunity in a meeting with an IT specialist from Jamaica through the call from the private sector who mentioned that such a system can be done in approximately two years and may cost USD$2 million. I do not see the need for an EID that the government recently contracted out for USD$34 million. This can come later when Guyana is moving fully into electronic business.
I have read the cry again by the government in Demerara Wave online news on May 25th 2023 edition where the VP is concerned with smudge fingerprints and we should have a backup system where manual checks are done. Right here is my concern, we all know what happened in the recount of the 2020 General and Regional election, where we saw oaths of identities were taken without proper signatures or missing in some cases. My suspicion is that these guys don’t sleep but are looking for ways to manipulate the electoral system. If you look at my arguments in the first paragraph you will see that biometrics can involve fingerprints, IRIS SCAN and FACIAL RECOGNITION. The bolded ones can be an added feature in the biometric system.
I must mention that using biometric will not delete the current NRR list but can be used to help develop the system by using the current data that GECOM has and where there is smudges part of the process to implement this electronic system is to varying those smudges in the field just like the verification or continuous registration process.
This thing is not rocket science!
