Electoral Commission Confirms Mandatory Biometric Verification for Forthcoming Elections

The Electoral Commission has confirmed the compulsory use of electronic biometric voter verification machines in the forthcoming elections. This announcement followed a public testing exercise of the system at the commission's headquarters today. The demonstration, which began this morning, allowed members of the public and journalists to observe the machine's operation.

 
During the experiment, experts simulated the voting process for presidential and parliamentary elections, detailing various operational steps. Speaking at the launch, the Commission's Vice Chairperson, Aisha Lubega, praised the system, stating it is designed to eliminate voter impersonation and ballot stuffing.

 
Lubega further explained that the machine will scan and verify the rightful owner of a ballot, allowing an individual to vote only once. She emphasised that the system will reject any attempt to use a ballot paper a second time.
 
She also urged Ugandans to prepare early by confirming their designated polling stations. Lubega elaborated on the Commission's rationale for introducing the biometric voter verification kits for the upcoming elections.
 
During the exercise, she outlined other changes in the election process. Meanwhile, she acknowledged the need for more public sensitisation on the use of the new technology.

 
One participant, Godfrey Mulindwa, explained that the machine will first verify if a voter's name appears on the register. He noted that an individual cannot vote twice and that a faulty ballot will be rejected.

 
However, an online writer, Joana Nakiridde, expressed concerns that the system may not be user-friendly for the elderly or those unfamiliar with digital technology.
 
Another participant, content provider Michael Kanaabi, who underwent the facial recognition test, praised the system for working well and urged Ugandans to embrace it.
 
The Commission plans to deploy two machines per polling station, with one reserved for emergencies. Officials also commended the battery's lifespan, stating it is sufficient to last the entire voting day.