THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, responding to recent demands from the Alliance For Change (AFC) for updates to the electoral system.
The AFC had voiced dissatisfaction with the current electoral system, particularly concerning the voters’ list, and called for the adoption of biometric and electronic voting.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, GECOM reaffirmed its dedication to adhering to Guyana’s legal framework.
Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of GECOM, said that the Commission “cannot and will not act outside of the extant statutory provisions pertaining to the conduct of National Registration, Local Government Elections, and General and Regional Elections.”
Singh pointed out that implementing biometric systems requires legislative changes.
Biometrics are defined as unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and retina scans that could be used for automated recognition.
“Until such is enabled, GECOM cannot proceed with implementing such a feature,” she stated.
To this end, GECOM has completed a feasibility study on the introduction of digital fingerprint capture and biometric voter identification, and the results are currently under review by Commission members.
Addressing concerns about the accuracy of the voters’ list, GECOM referenced a ruling by Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire, which clarified that the removal of names from the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) must follow existing legal provisions.
This decision has not been appealed.
GECOM said that it routinely updates the NRRDB based on reports of deceased persons from the General Register Office and through periodic Claims and Objections Exercises.
The Commission has also requested regular updates from the Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police to further sanitise the database.
GECOM assured the public that multiple safeguards are in place to prevent forms of “skullduggery” on Elections Day.
These include “the presence of political party agents at each polling station, accurate identification of the voter, the use of indelible ink, the presence of security personnel from the Guyana Police Force, and the conduct of an intensive voter education campaign.”
GECOM also said that Election Day staff receive thorough training, ballots are counted at polling places in the presence of party representatives, and both local and international observers monitor the voting and counting processes.
To address concerns about impersonation, GECOM said that its Chief Election Officer, Vishnu Persaud, has proposed installing cameras in polling stations to record activities without compromising ballot secrecy.
This proposal is currently being considered by the Commission.
As such, GECOM reiterated its commitment to delivering “free, fair, transparent and credible elections” and called on all stakeholders to support its efforts within the constitutional framework.
