By Mark DaCosta- The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has signalled a significant shift in its stance on the use of biometrics for voter identification in upcoming elections, marking a departure from its earlier hard-line rejection of the technology. This change in position, viewed with cautious optimism by many, comes after mounting calls from various sectors of society.
In a statement made on November 7, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that the party would support the introduction of “enhanced biometrics” in future elections, provided certain conditions were met. This marks a stark contrast to the party’s previous opposition to biometric technology.
Jagdeo explained that while the PPP was open to considering biometrics, the party would only support its implementation if it did not disrupt the voting process, disenfranchise voters, or cause delays in the elections. He said that the technology should not interfere with the smooth running of the election process. “Once it’s not disruptive to the voting and it doesn’t disenfranchise voters and doesn’t delay the elections, we’d look at it favourably.”
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has released results of its feasibility study of the use of biometrics. GECOM’s study – widely seen as an argument against biometrics – outlined several challenges to the technology, including issues related to privacy, technical limitations, logistical hurdles, and the significant costs involved. The study suggests that the implementation of biometric systems could cost upwards of US$20 million.
Jagdeo sought to convince the public that the government would fully fund any initiatives deemed necessary by GECOM to ensure a fair and transparent election. “Financially, there will be no constraint to free and fair elections,” Jagdeo affirmed. His new commitment to providing resources for biometrics appears to be an effort to address criticisms that the government may be hindering reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity.
Meanwhile, the political opposition, represented by the Joint Opposition Political Parties (JOPP) — comprising the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Alliance For Change (AFC), and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) — has long advocated for the mandatory use of biometrics in elections.
They have argued that biometric identification would help eliminate fraudulent practices such as voter impersonation and multiple voting. The opposition has also called for the full digital fingerprinting of voters at polling stations and for the integration of biometrics into the registration process itself to improve the accuracy and reliability of voter rolls.
The new position taken by the PPP is widely seen as a response to increasing public pressure from various quarters, including calls from political commentators, analysts, and ordinary citizens, who have raised concerns about the legitimacy of past elections.
One of the strongest advocates for the adoption of biometric technology is attorney at law Roysdale Forde S.C., a member of the opposition. Forde has argued that the use of biometrics is crucial for reducing electoral fraud and restoring public confidence in the electoral system. He pointed to the PPP’s own government’s decision to sign a US$34.5 million contract with a German firm, Veridos, for an electronic identification system in the country.
Forde questioned why the same government that supports digital identification for other purposes would oppose the use of biometrics in the electoral system, which has been marred by controversy and disputes in recent years.
In his public statements, Forde highlighted the potential of biometric technology to prevent voter impersonation, ballot stuffing, and multiple voting attempts — fraudulent practices that have undermined the legitimacy of elections in the past. He also stressed that biometrics would make elections more accessible to all citizens, including those in remote areas or those with disabilities.
“Biometric identification systems can accommodate voters with disabilities or those who may face difficulties with traditional forms of identification,” the senior counsel argued, calling for the system to be implemented ahead of the 2025 elections to ensure greater participation and representation.
