GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh, has shot down the possibility of introducing biometrics for this year’s elections, saying the timeline is too tight and significant hurdles remain.
GECOM Chairman Retired Justice Claudette Singh.She explained that with less than a year to go before elections, it would not be feasible, within the time available, to introduce such a system.
The Opposition and its nominated GECOM members have long advocated for the use of biometrics, arguing that it would enhance election integrity. However, Government-nominated members have opposed the idea.
In giving her decision, the GECOM chair noted that the commission is already engaged in extensive preparations for the upcoming general and regional elections, leaving little room to incorporate such a complex system.
Retired Justice Singh outlined the significant groundwork required to implement biometrics, including procuring equipment, training personnel, public education campaigns, and ensuring adequate legislation to secure biometric data.
When it comes to using biometric identification at polling stations, she highlighted existing legal provisions that allow fingerprints to be compared with those on identity cards. However, only ID cards issued to individuals who cannot sign include fingerprints, which complicates the process.
The GECOM chairman contended that 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.
Instead, she suggested biometrics could serve as a supplementary tool to assist with identification.
“However, in this regard legislation will be necessary for the introduction of such tools,” she added.
Justice Singh said the Commission would need to have consultations with stakeholders, engage with the Government and Parliament on the feasibility of biometrics, examine costs, and consider the required legislative changes before moving forward.
