The Electoral Commission has debunked claims by the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) that biometric verification machines might malfunction on Election Day.

CODEO in its latest report said it observed during the just ended voter verification exercise that the machines failed to function in about 6% of exhibition centers it monitored.

“CODEO Observers reported seeing biometric verification devices (BVDs) in nearly all (99%) exhibition centers observed. The BVDs, however, could not function properly in about 6% of exhibition centers observed. Where the equipment functioned properly, some registered voters who showed up at some  centers (8%) could not be verified biometrically,” a statement signed by National Coordinator, Albert Arhin of CODEO stated.

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CODEO subsequently called on the Electoral Commission to come out with modalities it will use to deal with the issue, as there will be much pressure on the verification machines on Election day.

But in an interview with Pulse.com.gh, Head of Communications at the EC, Eric Dzakpasu said fears of a breakdown of the machines should be ignored as the Commission always provides a backup system for such machines.

“You can’t rule out the possibility of a device malfunctioning. But I would have been happy if the report had indicated the remedial measures that were taken to rectify these situations at the various centres. Because we have 29,000 exhibition centres and every exhibition centre, we have about 78,000 biometric verification devices and every centre has a backup. District offices have a backup, regions have a backup.

“But in any case, it is a research finding, we will take it on board and plan ahead,” Eric Dzakapsu explained.