The Alliance For Change (AFC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the integrity of the electoral system, especially as it pertains to the voters list and wants the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to provide a comprehensive update on the measures being implemented to improve the system.
In a release yesterday, the AFC contended that discrepancies in the list contributed in no small part to the resulting stand-off. It stated its opinion that there is no longer any public confidence in the integrity of the electoral list and unless every effort is made to find a solution, there will be continuing distrust in any electoral outcome.
As far as the AFC is concerned, GECOM has had ample time to review and audit its conduct of the 2020 elections, and as such, feels that it is “imperative” that the Commission now communicate to the nation the steps being taken to rectify the identified flaws. “The persistent issues highlighted by the 2020 elections cannot be addressed through claims, objections, or continuous registration exercises alone.”
The release noted that as of March this year, the voters list contains over 700,000 names, a figure, it asserts, that is “incongruous” with the population size. It then pressed the Chairperson on several issues arising out of its concerns. “While we acknowledge the court’s ruling on the removal of names from the list, the Chairperson must outline how the Commission plans to handle the bloated list and its implications for the next elections. It is crucial for the Chairperson to provide recommendations on achieving a more accurate and acceptable list of electors. Can the Chairperson assure the nation that the current system will inspire public confidence in the 2025 elections?”
According to the release, several recommendations have been made by the AFC, other political parties, and civil society, regarding the adoption of biometrics and electronic voting to enhance electoral integrity, adding that it was essential for the Chairperson to comment on these recommendations. The AFC continued to press home the point that a transparent dialogue on the adoption of new technologies is necessary to rebuild trust in the electoral process, while urging GECOM not to remain silent or rely on occasional press releases. “The nation deserves a clear and detailed plan of action. We urge the Chairperson to address these concerns openly and to implement measures that will ensure a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process in the upcoming 2025 elections.”
As such, the AFC expressed the opinion that updating the voters list is “crucial” for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Key considerations and steps based on global best practices, it observed, must include biometric registration, continuous voter education, regular audits and clean-up, and a robust legal framework.
It offered the view that biometric registration, through nationwide biometric data collection and integration into the electoral database, will reduce the risk of duplicate registrations. Meanwhile, continuous voter education via media campaigns and community outreach programmes, will educate the public on the importance of updating their information and understanding the electoral process. Further, these steps, coupled with regular audits and clean-ups involve cross-checking the voters’ list with national databases, such as birth and death registries and immigration records, on a biannual or annual basis, will ensure accuracy.
Additionally, reviewing and amending electoral laws to allow for regular purging of obsolete entries and addressing legal barriers to maintaining an accurate list are vital, while public engagement through regular disclosures, consultations, and feedback mechanisms will ensure transparency and accountability.
The AFC advocates that technological integration, including electronic voting systems and robust cybersecurity measures, can further enhance the accuracy and integrity of the voting process. “By addressing these areas, GECOM can work towards restoring public confidence and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in Guyana.”
