The three Opposition nominated Members of the Guyana Elections Commission, Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin, complained today that there appears to be a deliberate attempt at the level of the Commission to delay meetings in an effort to avoid discussion and a decision on the use of biometrics. 

In a statement today, the three Commissioners explained that they had proposed that the Commission not go on recess except for the observance of the public holidays, since there are many urgent and time bound matters to be determined in relation to the upcoming 2025 elections.

However, the Commissioners said their proposal fell flat when the three government Commissioners and the Chairman of the Commission voted down the suggestion.

In addition, the Commissioners explained that the Commission’s work was set to restart today, but again that did not happen.

“On the morning of Jan. 7, notice was received from two of the Government nominated Commissioners that due to personal commitments they would be unable to attend the scheduled meeting. As a consequence, the meeting was cancelled for the want of a quorum,” the Opposition Commissioners explained.

They explained that the cancellation has further postponed the Chairman’s review of her contribution to the discussion on the introduction of enhanced biometrics, after taking two weeks to make a contribution on a matter that had been discussed for four prior sessions. 

“ There are those who are clearly holding up the decision making processes with the danger of time being used as a factor in not making a positive decision. Shenanigans are trumping and obstructing GECOM’s deliberations and ultimately derailing pertinent issues,” the Opposition Commissioners noted.

Just last week, the Opposition People’s National Congress Reform urged GECOM to “swiftly” move ahead with the implementation of fingerprint biometrics in time for the next General and Regional Elections scheduled for this year.

PNC Leader Aubrey Norton, reminded that it has been two months since Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud presented to the Commission a feasibility study on the use of electronic fingerprint biometrics for registration and voting in the next elections.

That study according to Mr. Norton concluded that the use of biometrics technology in Guyana would provide more robust protection and safeguards against voter impersonation, multiple voting, and electoral manipulation.

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