Iris Biometric System Trial for Somaliland's November Polls

"Somaliland is taking a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of its upcoming elections by field-testing an iris-based Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS). The system, which uses iris biometrics technology, is designed to verify voters before they cast their votes.

The Somaliland National Election Commission (NEC) has partnered with Iris ID and Neametrics Africa to implement the BVVS. The system has undergone an audit, and the NEC has assured stakeholders that it will not cause any delays to the elections.

The first field test was conducted in Togdheer and Awdal, two of the country's six administrative regions. The test saw the participation of NEC Commissioners, political party representatives, and civil society actors. Additional tests have been conducted at the Guriga Shaqaalaha Polling Center in Mogadishu.

The BVVS system is made up of two components  manual verification using the voter's card and final voter's list register at the polling station, and biometric verification using iris biometrics technology. The NEC has reminded citizens of its statutory powers to implement and make decisions regarding the use of technical equipment such as the BVVS.

Somaliland has a history of using biometrics in national elections, having first used an iris biometrics system for voter registration and verification in the 2017 elections. The country is credited with being the first nation in the world to use an iris biometrics system for voter registration and verification.

The use of the BVVS system has elicited some criticisms among the political elite, but the NEC is confident that it will help ensure fair and credible elections. The agency has warned stakeholders against interfering with its work and spreading false information that could jeopardize the security and proper conduct of the election process.

Iris ID has confirmed that its iris biometrics software and hardware are part of the system. The company is working in partnership with Neametrics Africa to implement the BVVS.

The European Union (EU) and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) have collaborated with the NEC to introduce the Biometric Voter Registration Audit System. The system is designed to sanitize the voter registration database and prevent double voting and other irregularities.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the United Nations. The country is determined to hold fair and credible elections, and the use of the BVVS system is seen as a crucial factor in achieving this goal.

In a press release, the NEC assured the public that the use of the BVVS system will not cause any delays to the elections. The agency also warned stakeholders against interfering with its work and spreading false information.

The BVVS system is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of Somaliland's elections. The use of iris biometrics technology is expected to help prevent double voting and other irregularities, and ensure that the elections are fair and credible.

In conclusion, the field-testing of the BVVS system is an important step towards ensuring the integrity of Somaliland's elections. The use of iris biometrics technology is expected to help prevent double voting and other irregularities, and ensure that the elections are fair and credible."

"Q: What is the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS)?

A: The BVVS is an iris-based biometric system designed to verify voters before they cast their votes.

Q: Who is partnering with the Somaliland National Election Commission (NEC) to implement the BVVS?

A: Iris ID and Neametrics Africa are partnering with the NEC to implement the BVVS.

Q: What is the purpose of the BVVS system?

A: The purpose of the BVVS system is to ensure fair and credible elections by preventing double voting and other irregularities.

Q: Has Somaliland used biometrics in national elections before?

A: Yes, Somaliland has used biometrics in national elections before, having first used an iris biometrics system for voter registration and verification in the 2017 elections.

Q: What is the status of Somaliland's recognition by the international community?

A: Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the United Nations."