In a powerful statement made on November 7th, 2024, the Joint Opposition – consisting of the People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/APNU), Alliance For Change (AFC), and Working People’s Alliance (WPA) – unequivocally reiterated their commitment to the full implementation of biometrics throughout the electoral process.
For more than a decade, the importance of biometrics to secure and streamline elections in Guyana has been clear. In fact, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) itself recognised its value over ten years ago, but under the leadership of its current chair, Claudette Singh, the commission has repeatedly failed to prioritise this crucial reform.
The statement, aimed at ensuring the prevention of voter impersonation and identity theft, was direct: “Let us re-emphasise that the Joint Opposition supports the full implementation of biometrics throughout the election process: that is, the capture of fingerprints digitally in the registration process (to enhance the quality of fingerprints available to the Commission and aid in the prevention of multiple registrations) and digitised fingerprint identification at the place of poll (to prevent voter impersonation or identity theft).”
Despite GECOM’s acknowledgement of the significance of biometrics over the years, the AFC was appalled to find that, in 2025, GECOM had still not implemented biometric voting, nor had it taken any substantial steps toward making the system a reality.
This revelation came to light during a critical meeting held between the AFC and GECOM yesterday, ahead of the upcoming elections, where the AFC laid out its demands for electoral reform, which included biometric voting, a clean-up of the voters’ list, and greater transparency in the election process.
In a statement, the AFC expressed alarm that instead of receiving clear and reasoned responses to these valid concerns, the party was confronted with a disorganised, defensive response from GECOM, revealing deep cracks within the institution.
AFC said commissioners could not provide coherent justifications for rejecting biometric verification at the place of poll, despite its obvious need. In fact, it was only in May 2024 that GECOM began to discuss the use of biometrics at polling stations, and even then, their reasons for delaying its implementation—citing impracticality, lack of time, and stalled tender processes—were weak and unconvincing.
Worse still, the AFC team was left stunned by GECOM’s inability to justify their decisions and their internal bickering, which undermined the professionalism and credibility of the body tasked with overseeing the election.
The party said it has become glaringly clear that GECOM had failed to conduct any meaningful review of its operations since the 2020 election debacle. Moreover, it had ignored key recommendations put forth by international observer missions.
The AFC said it remains resolute in its calls for electoral reform. Our unwavering stance is simple: a fair, transparent, and free election is not only a right but a necessity. The failures of GECOM cannot be allowed to stand. Guyanese citizens deserve better.
Key Points from the AFC-GECOM Meeting:
1. GECOM’s failure to justify rejection of biometrics at polling stations: Despite years of knowing the importance of biometrics, GECOM’s refusal to implement it is indefensible.
2. Lack of security measures in polling stations: The AFC recommended the installation of cameras in polling stations to boost security and transparency. GECOM admitted that this had not even been considered in its budget, nor was it on their formal agenda.
3. Unilateral decision-making by GECOM Chair: It was revealed that the Chairperson of GECOM, Claudette Singh, unilaterally approved the renewal of the CEO’s contract without discussing it with other commissioners or putting it on the official agenda.
4. Internal discord and partisan divides: GECOM’s fractured leadership was exposed, with deep internal disagreements among the commissioners and evident partisan positions that do not inspire confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a free and fair election.
5. AFC’s proposals are achievable and necessary: Despite GECOM’s resistance, the proposals put forward by the AFC remain practical, achievable, and essential to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Next Steps outlined by the AFC:
The AFC said it is committed to continuing its fight for electoral fairness. In the coming days, we will update the diplomatic community and representatives from international observer missions about today’s revelations regarding GECOM’s failures. We will also continue to engage with civil society and the public to ensure that the push for reform remains strong and unrelenting.
The road to a fair election may be long, but we will not rest until justice is done, and a better electoral process is secured for every citizen of Guyana, the party intoned. “Better must come, and it will,” the party concluded.
