Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has ruled against the introduction of biometrics for this year’s elections.

In her ruling at the Commission which was made on Thursday,  Justice Singh noted that with less than a year to go before Elections, and given the number of tasks that would need to be done before such a system can be properly introduced, and all of the work already required to prepare for General and Regional Elections, she is convinced that the introduction of biometrics is not feasible within the time presently available.

She further explained that in relation to the registration process, the fingerprints of applicants are currently taken manually, but the National Registration Act empowers the Commission to determine from time-to-time, procedures for the acquisition and electronic processing of data.

She said it is obvious therefore that, in this regard, there is nothing in the law or otherwise preventing the introduction of a system where such fingerprints are taken digitally, since it is the Commission that is empowered to determine such procedures.

However, Justice Singh noted that apart from the necessary elements of implementing such a system, such as the procurement of equipment, training of personnel and education of the public, there is still the need for the Commission to address other issues, such as ensuring that there is adequate legislation pertaining to the security of prints.

In relation to biometric identification at the place of poll, she said there is legal provision for fingerprints of voters to be compared with that on their identity paper which equates to the National Identification Card. However, she said the only ID Cards are issued to persons who could not sign, carry the fingerprint of the registrant.

Introducing a system of biometric Identification of voters digitally as a mandatory, or only means of identification would impose an additional requirement for voters and would therefore be unconstitutional.

She said it may however, be used as an additional mechanism to aid in the identification of electors where, if a person who is eligible to vote cannot be identified using the digital fingerprint, the other methods can still be used to identify him and allow him to vote.

“It is my opinion that GECOM could introduce it in that way as another tool to identify persons. However, in this regard legislation will be necessary for the introduction of such tools”, she noted.

In relation to whether GECOM could introduce the digital collection of fingerprints and biometric fingerprint identification of voters in time for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, Justice Singh said the Commission would still have to do major things such as the hosting of stakeholder consultations to determine whether GECOM should introduce biometrics now, consulting with stakeholders like the Government and Parliament to determine wither it is even possible to do so now, considering things like costs and any legislative amendments necessary.

She said the Commission would also have to examine the procurement of equipment for the introduction of biometrics in the registration process and at the place of poll and the training of staff on the use of such equipment.

The GECOM Chair said there would also have to public education on the introduction of the systems and how they are to be used to aid in registration and voting. With the list of concerns, the Chairman of the Elections Commission said the introduction of biometrics for registration and at the place of poll would not be feasible at this time.

The Opposition and its nominated members on the Commission have been pushing for the introduction of biometrics for the upcoming elections. They have been making the case for the introduction for more than three years. The Government nominated members of the Commission have been against the introduction of biometrics.

Related posts:

Opposition Leader urges GECOM to begin examining implementation of fingerprint biometrics for Elections 2025 WPA demands GECOM consults with stakeholders first on enhanced Biometrics for Elections 2025 WPA willing to support election delay if necessary to facilitate clean voters list and introduction of biometrics Alexander presents motion to GECOM for recommendation of use of biometrics for voting verification