GECOM should fast track biometric measures

There have been varying responses to my recent letter which highlighted that;

1. The latest voters list has no less than 126,000 voters more than our resident voting population.

2.Of that excess, there are thousands of Guyanese who died overseas.

3.There is currently no mechanism being used to remove such names from the voters list and

4. Electronic fingerprint (biometric) identification at the place of poll is a mechanism that can be used to prevent votes from being cast for absentees, including dead persons.

The responses, including those of Jagdeo and Rohee contended that:

1. GECOM has measures in place to prevent anyone from voting for someone other than him or herself.

2. GECOM should ensure that votes are not cast in the name of the dead; and

3. Discussions are ongoing at the level of GECOM on the use of biometrics.

These are welcome responses coming from those who previously contended that GECOM has systems in place which address my concerns. These responses represent some admission that my concerns are worthy of attention. However, the responses do not represent a commitment to confront the issues.

GECOM has pushed-back on the implementation of the biometric measures by calling for feasibility studies for universally tested and proven mechanisms and has not engaged the commissioners in any discussion beyond the commitment made months ago to conduct feasibility studies.

I am therefore, on the basis of the information provided herein, calling upon GECOM and all of the concerned agencies to fast track the implementation of these measures. This should be a pre-condition for the conduct of any future election.

Yours truly,

Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner .