Lewis slams GECOM’s failure to implement biometrics, urges immediate action for free and fair elections

In his Eye on Guyana column published on Sunday, Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), sharply criticised the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its failure to implement a biometric system for the upcoming elections, calling the Commission’s recent announcement of its inability to do so a grave misstep.

The column, which has sparked widespread debate, highlights the growing concerns of both the public and civil society, including the GTUC, opposition parties, and various individuals who are all united in demanding that GECOM take immediate action.

Lewis questioned why GECOM, led by Chairperson Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh, has waited until the eleventh hour to state that it cannot incorporate biometrics, despite being aware of the need for this reform for over five years. He pointed out that this delay appears both negligent and unconvincing, especially considering the fact that the government was able to register citizens quickly for the $100,000 one-off cash grant initiative, demonstrating that the infrastructure and resources are available when there is the political will to act.

The GTUC, which has been advocating for the introduction of biometrics in the electoral process, echoed Lewis’ concerns at a press conference last week. The trade union body has been steadfast in its call for biometric verification, understanding that such a system would bolster the integrity of the electoral process and protect against fraud.

The Union’s position, as well as that of others, underscores the national importance of this issue. The failure to implement biometrics is not merely a partisan concern but a question of ensuring that every citizen’s right to vote is protected. This has been the concern of many.

In his column, Lewis also reminded GECOM that its ability to act swiftly was demonstrated during the 2020 election crisis when it was able to swiftly implement a recount following legal challenges, all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). This ability to act decisively only served to highlight the irony of GECOM’s current inaction. To facilitate the Recount Exercise in the 2020 Elections, GECOM did so through Order 60/2020. When the order was challenged, the court ruled the Order was legal and permissible. 

The criticism of GECOM’s inaction comes from a growing belief that the Commission, despite its constitutional autonomy, has failed to live up to its responsibility to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Further drawing attention to the issues plaguing the electoral system, Lewis called the current Voters List an “abomination.” He noted that the list, which contains more than two-thirds of the nation’s population, is riddled with inaccuracies and duplicates.

The absence of biometric verification, he argued, would only exacerbate these issues, leaving the election process vulnerable to fraud and manipulation. This concern has been echoed by local and international observers who have previously warned of the dangers posed by such a flawed system.

Lewis’ article also drew attention to the fact that GECOM has not provided a clear plan or budget to address these pressing concerns. He pointed out that GECOM enjoys constitutional autonomy, but that autonomy does not excuse inaction. The Commission has a duty to be responsive to the needs of the people, to address recommendations for improvement, and to put forward a concrete plan for reform he contended.

Justice Claudette Singh, as the chairperson of GECOM, has a moral and legal obligation to deliver a free and fair election Lewis pointed out, as he urged Singh to reflect on her duties and act in the best interest of the nation.

If she is unable or unwilling to carry out these responsibilities, Lewis suggested that she should step aside and allow someone else to take the helm. The future of the nation’s democracy, he warned, is too important to be left in the hands of an agency that fails to act decisively.

The Guyanese public, represented by voices across the political and social spectrum, will not tolerate another election marred by incompetence and neglect. As Lewis put it, this is a national issue, not a partisan one, and it is time for GECOM to put the interests of the people first.

The trade union movement, which fought for democratic rights nearly a century ago, he said will not allow these hard-won gains to be undermined.

GECOM’s failure to act now could deepen the political divide and set back the country’s aspirations for peace and unity. The calls for biometric verification and electoral reform are not just about a better voting system; they are about ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and that democracy in Guyana remains intact.