GECOM acknowledges potential benefits of biometric voting; Forde says GECOM must act to make it possible

By Mark DaCosta- A recent report on the feasibility of implementing biometric voting has stirred significant debate, with critics accusing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of presenting arguments that align with the interests of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The report, commissioned by GECOM and presented by PPP backed Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud, acknowledges the potential benefits of biometric technology, such as reducing voter impersonation and fraud.

However, the report also highlights a huge range of concerns, including technical challenges, the high costs of implementation, and the need for constitutional amendments. While the study raises some interesting points, many opposition figures, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens are voicing their strong support for biometric voting, urging GECOM to modernise the electoral system in time for the 2025 elections.

Biometrics estimated US$20.7M equipment and infrastructure

The feasibility study, presented by Persaud to the seven-member GECOM commission, paints a gloomy picture of caution and raises all manner of concerns and complications.

Among these are privacy issues, the logistical challenges of implementing biometric systems nationwide, and the estimated US$20.7 million cost for the necessary equipment and infrastructure.

One of the main obstacles outlined in the report is the need for constitutional amendments to accommodate biometric identification at polling stations.

According to Persaud, Guyana’s Constitution does not currently provide for biometric identification at the place of polling.

This would require at least 43 votes in the 65-seat National Assembly, making it a difficult and time-consuming process, especially with the PPP’s minority status in Parliament. This particular “obstacle” is quite interesting given the fact that all parliamentary opposition parties have voiced support for biometrics, and would certainly vote in favour of biometrics in the National Assembly

The Chief Election Officer highlights the possibility of system failures, cyber-attacks, or data breaches, as well as the challenge of ensuring secure storage of sensitive voter data. Persaud also points out that in remote or underdeveloped areas, where technological infrastructure is scarce, biometric systems may not be feasible.

On the other hand, many opposition leaders, independent organisations, and respected commentators overwhelmingly support the adoption of biometric voting, arguing that the technology is necessary to restore credibility and transparency to the electoral system.

“We must not succumb to PPP/C’s convenient objection to biometrics technology”

Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde S.C, one of the most vocal advocates for biometric voter registration, is not accepting a ‘do nothing approach’ from GECOM. Forde, in an interview with this publication, said the time, commitment and resources must be found to get it done. He reiterated a position articulated in his column last week that GECOM must deliver to this nation credible preparations for the next General and Regional Elections, constitutionally due in 2025.

According to the senior counsel: “No excuse accepted. GECOM must do its work consistent with the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to deliver free, fair and credible elections. The PPP/C Government and National Assembly must provide the requisite funding to ensure this.”

Emphasising the importance of incorporating modern technology to address persistent issues of electoral fraud, Forde argues that “We must not succumb to the PPP/C’s convenient objection to the use of biometrics technology.”

He points to the government’s signing of a US$34.5 million contract with Veridos, a German company, to implement an electronic identification system locally. Forde questions why the government is embracing electronic identification but resisting biometric voting, which could address the growing concerns about election fraud.

US$34.7M for Electronic ID; US$20.7M for biometrics

According to the Member of Parliament, if Government can find US$34.5 million to install an electronic identification system, Guyana must find US$20.7 million to acquire the necessary equipment and infrastructure for biometrics. He stresses the need for biometric systems to address the long-standing problem of a bloated voter register in Guyana.

The current system, which relies on traditional forms of voter identification, has been vulnerable to manipulation, with concerns about duplicate registrations and voter impersonation. “This [biometric] technology offers a number of benefits: it functions as a safety valve for transparency,” Forde asserts, highlighting that biometric registration could drastically reduce the chances of electoral fraud, such as ballot stuffing or multiple voting.

The parliamentarian also notes that biometric systems are more secure than traditional voter ID methods, which are prone to fraud or errors. To this end, he says, a public appeal is being made to GECOM Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh to put mechanism in place to implement biometrics; and the Legislature and Executive must provide the necessary support. “This is not a matter of whether we can afford to get biometrics done; it is a matter of necessity to protect the integrity of the vote,” the shadow minister concludes.