District Assembly Elections: New Biometric Technology will detect double voting, electoral fraud — EC

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced the implementation of new biometric technology during today's District Level Elections (DLEs), with the aim of preventing double voting and electoral fraud.

The technology is part of the commission's preparations for the 2024 elections.

EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa emphasised the essence of the new verification system in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Over 66,000 individuals are vying for various positions in District Assemblies across the country.

Addressing the public, Mrs. Mensa urged voters to comply with the law and assured them that the biometric technology would play a crucial role in enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

“The biometric technology makes it difficult for a person who has been verified and cast their vote to come a second time.

“Because once you have been verified, it goes into the system, and you cannot come back a second time,” explained Mrs. Mensa.

She highlighted the key features of the biometric technology, emphasising that once an individual has been verified, their facial features and fingerprints are recorded in the system.

This, in turn, prevents the possibility of casting a second vote.

Mrs. Mensa acknowledged that attempting to vote more than once would be considered an electoral offence, but she expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the biometric technology in maintaining the credibility of the electoral process.

“So you can try it if you wish at this election. Of course, it will be deemed an electoral offence, but because of biometric technology, your facial features are recognized, or your fingerprints are recognized, you cannot go a second time,” she said.