Biometrics call for 2025 polls: Legal, technical, security, infrastructural challenges prevent use – GECOM

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that biometric voter identification will not be introduced for the upcoming General and Regional Elections- citing legal, technical, security and infrastructural challenges.
Despite public discussions touting the benefits of biometric, the decision by GECOM Chairman, Justice Claudette Singh, has clarified that the introduction of such technology is not feasible within the current timeframe and legislative framework.
The debate surrounding biometrics stems from allegations of voter impersonation at polling stations, and political parties have argued that biometric fingerprinting could safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, offering a more accurate and secure means of voter identification.
In a statement on Tuesday, GECOM explained that the feasibility study presented several case studies on the use of biometrics fingerprinting in other countries.
The Commission outlined that while the study acknowledged the benefits of biometric fingerprint identification, the challenges, especially within Guyana’s context, outweigh the potential gains in the short-term.

Challenges
GECOM said there would be technical challenges in which the reliability and accuracy of biometric systems can be impacted by poor network connectivity, power outages, hardware malfunctions, and software glitches. The Commission explained that these technical issues have led to delays in the voting process and raised concerns about the effectiveness of using biometrics for voter identification.
According to the electoral body, there are also data security concerns since storing sensitive biometric data raises privacy and security risks, as any breach or misuse of this information could have severe consequences.
The study cited inclusivity issues whereby certain segments of the population, such as the elderly, manual labourers, or individuals with disabilities, may face difficulties in having their fingerprints accurately scanned due to factors like worn-out fingerprints or physical impairments.
Further, GECOM highlighted that there are legal and ethical concern particularly since questions have been raised about the legality of collecting and storing biometric data on a massive scale without robust data protection laws in place. According to the Commission, there are also additionally ethical dilemmas that could arise concerning consent, transparency, and accountability in handling voter biometrics.
The study also pointed to infrastructure challenges due to vast size and diverse population could pose infrastructure challenges for the widespread implementation of biometric voter identification.
GECOM explained that remote areas often lacked the necessary infrastructure to support biometric technology, making it difficult to ensure universal access to this voting method. It also noted that, limited access to electricity and internet connectivity in some areas hindered the effectiveness of the system.
Against this backdrop, the Commission outlined cost implications, inadequate voter education, allegations of manipulation, resistance by political parties and public trust as challenges.
It also reminded that within the context of Guyana, there is no legal provision and therefore, any such introduction at the place of poll would be unconstitutional since it will impose additional conditions on a person’s right to vote.
GECOM reassured the public that it remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Despite not implementing biometrics, the Commission promises to strengthen existing safeguards to prevent electoral fraud and uphold transparency.
The Parliamentary Opposition, APNU/AFC, has objected to the chair’s decision, claiming that implementing biometrics is feasible in time for the next elections.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has also challenged the GECOM Chair to release the study and expert advice that influenced her ruling.