Three sub-Saharan African nations are preparing for and implementing biometric voter registration ahead of elections scheduled within the next year. In Cameroon, the electoral authority plans to improve the consistency of biometric data capture for the voter register through staff training. Meanwhile, officials in Gabon’s transitional government are urging citizens to enrol on the electoral roll and Uganda’s government asserts that identity verification by security forces is essential to ensure the integrity of the national voter register.
In Cameroon, the elections management body (ELECAM) is reportedly planning to retrain voter enrollment personnel to enhance biometric data capture in the field. This initiative, discussed during a recent ELECAM board meeting, aims to increase voter registration figures while ensuring the accurate capture of biometrics, such as fingerprints and facial images, to reduce rejection rates.
Gabon’s transitional leader has mobilised government ministers to support the voter registration exercise as the deadline approaches. Following a ministerial cabinet meeting that set the presidential election date for 12 April, top public servants have been dispatched to various localities to encourage participation in the biometric voter registration process, which concludes on 31 January.
In Uganda, the ongoing process to update the national biometric voter register has drawn criticism due to the significant involvement of security forces.
Read the original article here: https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/cameroon-gabon-uganda-tackle-biometric-voter-registers-integrity-engagement