Jagdeo, PPP/C double standards exposed again and again

Feb 02, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

I read with keen interest your article titled “PPP to meet GECOM on Tuesday to discuss elections – Jagdeo” and found it necessary to respond, as Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s statements raise several concerns about the integrity of our electoral system and the sincerity of his party’s engagement with GECOM.

First and foremost, this meeting is not about genuine fact-finding or a sincere interest in GECOM’s preparations. Rather, it appears to be an attempt by the ruling party to flex its political muscles and control the narrative surrounding the elections. The issue of biometrics is a genuine one, and if the PPP/C truly wanted to implement it, they have the legislative power to amend the laws to facilitate its introduction. Instead of blaming GECOM’s constitutional framework, the government should take responsibility for not moving forward with electoral reforms they once supported.

In fact, in both the 2015 and 2020 election cycles, Jagdeo himself called for stronger measures to prevent electoral fraud, including the use of biometrics. Now, when the opposition raises similar concerns, he dismisses them outright. What has changed? If the integrity of the electoral process is paramount, why not take the necessary steps to enhance voter verification? What is he afraid of?

It is also important to note that biometric voter identification is not an unusual or untested measure. Many countries worldwide have successfully implemented biometric technology in their electoral processes to enhance voter identification, prevent fraud, and ensure electoral integrity. For example:

– India– Uses biometric voter registration and verification through the Aadhaar system, linking voter ID to biometric data to prevent duplicate registrations.

– Ghana– Implemented a biometric voter registration system and biometric verification at polling stations to prevent multiple voting.

– Nigeria – Uses biometric voter cards (Permanent Voter Cards – PVCs) and fingerprint verification during elections.

– Kenya – Introduced the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system and the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) to authenticate voters.

– Brazil – Implemented biometric verification in electronic voting machines to prevent voter impersonation.

These systems have been proven to reduce fraud, eliminate voter impersonation, and improve electoral transparency. If countries with large and complex electoral systems have successfully integrated biometrics, why should Guyana continue to delay such an essential reform?

Further, the Private Sector Commission’s support for the PPP/C’s position on this matter lacks credibility. Over the years, the PSC has consistently parroted the government’s stance on critical issues, including national budgets and economic policies, often without objective scrutiny. Their endorsement cannot be seen as an independent or neutral position but rather an extension of the ruling party’s agenda.

The citizens of Guyana deserve a robust and transparent electoral system where every vote counts and is verifiable. Instead of dismissing concerns, the government should engage in meaningful reforms, ensuring that GECOM is empowered to implement the best possible systems for free and fair elections.

Sincerely,

R. Williams

(Jagdeo, PPP/C double standards exposed again and again)

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biometric verification, GECOM, PPP/C, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s, voter ID to biometric data

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