‘We already have biometrics’ – Nandlall says APNU+AFC motive is to delay elections

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has accused the opposition APNU+AFC of deliberately trying to delay the 2025 elections by focusing on the issue of biometrics.

Nandlall, in his Tuesday night commentary, said he believes the opposition is using the absence of biometrics as a smokescreen to undermine the electoral process, despite the fact that Guyana already has a robust biometric system in place.

“We already have biometrics—fingerprints, photographs, and distinguishing marks—recorded and integrated into our voter registration process,” Nandlall said, dismissing claims that the absence of biometrics would affect the credibility of the election results.

“These are the essential tools for preventing fraudulent voting and ensuring that only eligible individuals participate.”

The Attorney General highlighted that the biometric data collected from registered voters forms part of a comprehensive and secure system that includes multiple safeguards.

He explained that the system is designed to protect against impersonation at the polls.

“We have several mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of the vote, including biometric data, which is already being utilised effectively,” Nandlall added.

“The claims from the opposition are part of a longstanding strategy to discredit the system when they realise they cannot win a fair election.”

Nandlall pointed out that this is not the first time the opposition has used similar tactics. He reminded the public of the 1997 elections when the opposition, after initially advocating for a national ID card as a requirement to vote, later challenged the use of the very ID card they had called for.

“When they lose, they now have a basis to tell their supporters that the system was flawed. This has been their strategy for decades,” he remarked.

The Attorney General also took issue with the opposition’s accusations, stating that their focus on biometrics is less about improving the electoral process and more about delaying the elections. He emphasized that the current system is in line with the Constitution and that the opposition’s claims are politically motivated.

“When they realise they cannot secure the majority of voters, they shift the focus to attacking GECOM and the electoral process,” he said.