—As CSO Warns NEC ON Introduction Biometric Voter Registration
IPNEWS: The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia says at no point in time did the Embassy send the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia an official Diplomatic Note, or any other communication, with the request to acquire a sample or specimen of the 2023 national voter registration card.
“We understand that no decision has yet been made on awarding a contract for the biometric system, but that the process is ongoing and, according to the press, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) is examining potential contracts. We urge the PPCC to fulfill its mandate of ensuring integrity and transparency in the procurement process so that the Liberian public gets full value for money in the use of public funds.” A statement from the U.S. Embassy read.
The U.S. Embassy further stated that the United States and Liberia share democratic values, including the commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.
“Our Mission works closely with partners in the government and in civil society focusing on next year’s important national elections and we emphasize the necessity of non-violence and transparency in democratic societies. We remind our international and local partners of the importance of data security, especially regarding sensitive Liberian voter data.” The statement concludes.
In a related development, the Executive Director of one of the leading civil society organizations in Liberia Maxson AKpakio is calling on the National Elections Commission leadership not to rush the country into an election process that will lead the country into serious political misunderstanding.
The Executive Director of Justice Forum LIBERIA, J.F.L., was speaking in reaction to the pronouncement made by the head of the National Elections Commission, N.E.C., Davetta Browne Lansanah regarding the preparedness for the NEC to use a Biometric System of voting comes 2023 national elections.
He stressed further to say that while it is true that the electronic voting system helps organize elections quickly, conveniently, and securely, it will be prudent for such a system to be tested especially in the context of a country where the technology which supposed to be hugely supported by a stable and stronger internet is a challenge.
“I am deeply concerned about this biometric voting system talked about by the NEC especially as we have poor internet support and coverage across the country”, he lamented. Amb. Kpakio reminded the NEC of their social responsibility to the people of Liberia when it comes to elections.
He said that to carry out such a task, at least an awareness should be carried out for a lengthy period followed by testing such a system during either at By-elections or elections such as the ones conducted by the Press Union of Liberia
