IPNEWS: The National Elections Commission (NEC) has commenced trial exercises in the usage of the newly introduced Biometric Voters’ Registration (BVR) process.
The Commission says the mock voter registration exercise is intended to train new recruits and staffers and as well educate citizens about the BVR, ahead of the official opening of the National Biometric Voter’s Registration period.
Henry Flomo, director of communication at NEC, told reporters covering the mock exercise held at Garzon Public School in Firestone Division 16, Electoral District#1 in Margibi County that the exercise is intended to fully prepare the Commission for the actual voters’ registration that starts on March 30.
He said the exhibition is in time to enable NEC carefully observes the process in order to address all errors or lapses before Phase-One of the actual processes that runs from 20 March to 19 April 2023, covering six counties, while the second phase is scheduled from 21 April to 11 May 2023.
Detailing how the BVR exercise works, he explained the process requires scanning of all 10 fingerprints of eligible voters, including capturing of pictures of applicants and their postures, as seen by journalists, and eventually a Biometric voter ID card will have issued them, ahead of the elections in October.
According to Mr. Flomo, the electoral body is seriously working to meet the timeline set for the BVR to avoid any lapses.
He added the mock exercise is also intended to test the automated Biometric identification system that will be used to identify qualified or registered voters and that the trial started on 24 January with employees at NEC, and will continue with political parties, civil societies, and media, among others as of Thursday, January 26.
Last September, the Commission announced the introduction of biometric system for the 2023 Voters Registration, to avoid among others, multiple registrations, ensure accuracy of information collected and create voter identification for each voter.
At the same time the NEC communication director has dispelled fears among citizens that the Commission is heavily relying on the use of National ID Cards as proof of citizenship to qualify for the Biometric Voter Registration.
He said contrary to rumors, requirements include candidates being eligible voters, citizens of Liberia, attain age 18 or above, and should be a Liberian by birth or naturalization, with few proofs such as birth certificates, passports, and National ID cards.
The clarification follows reports that the National Elections Commission has set citizens’ possession of National Identification Cards as a prerequisite to participate in the BVR process.
