Editor’s note. The following is a letter sent by former Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine to different media outlets in Guyana, where an important general election process will be held next year:
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫,
As the people of Guyana eagerly await the 2025 general elections, it becomes imperative for the PPP-led government to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by implementing cutting-edge technologies like biometrics and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). A significant step towards greater electoral transparency and accountability, these advancements offer a chance to ensure a clean voters list and bolster national and international confidence in the electoral process.
𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Democracy thrives on the bedrock of fair and credible elections. For Guyana to truly embrace democracy, it is essential to adopt technological solutions that ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the electoral system. The introduction of biometrics, such as fingerprint or iris scanners, would provide foolproof identification of each voter, eliminating any possibility of duplication or impersonation.
Moreover, EVMs offer a range of advantages over traditional paper-based voting systems. They are designed to minimize errors, reduce the scope for malpractices, and enable swift vote counting. By equipping polling stations with EVMs, Guyana can revolutionize its electoral process and align it with modern standards, matching other democratic nations in their commitment to fair elections.
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬
One of the major challenges faced in our (Guyanese) elections is the existence of inflated voters lists. This discrepancy arises due to various reasons, including outdated records, migration, or even deliberate manipulation. The introduction of biometrics can effectively address this concern by ensuring that every eligible voter is accurately captured in a central database. Biometric registration will combine unique identifiers, such as fingerprints or iris patterns, with essential individual information, resulting in a comprehensive and accurate voters list.
𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲
Biometrics and EVMs also offer heightened security and transparency in the electoral process. With the integration of biometric authentication, the chances of electoral fraud decrease significantly. The precise identification of voters will prevent imposters from casting ballots or individuals from voting multiple times.
Additionally, EVMs eliminate the need for manual vote counting, a process that is prone to human errors and delays. With these machines, results can be tabulated promptly, providing immediate feedback on the outcome of elections. Such efficiency not only enhances public trust but also ensures the timely formation of the government, thus avoiding prolonged periods of uncertainty.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
To truly embrace democracy, it is crucial for the PPP-led government to prioritize electoral modernization. By implementing biometric registration and EVMs in the 2025 general elections, Guyana can take a significant step towards ensuring clean voters lists, enhancing transparency, and eradicating electoral malpractices.
These advancements will not only strengthen national and international faith in the electoral process but also demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles. By aligning with international standards, Guyana will join the league of progressive nations, where technological progress goes hand in hand with fair and credible elections.
The time is ripe for the PPP-led government to seize the opportunity and bring Guyana’s electoral system into the 21st century. Let us reaffirm our commitment to democracy, embracing the transformative power of biometrics and EVMs for a brighter, more accountable future.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, 𝐉𝐏, 𝐂𝐎𝐀
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐠𝐭.(𝐆𝐃𝐅), 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫
𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧
