THE HOUSE of Representatives yesterday approved a report from the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), recommending that electronic fingerprint identification systems be facilitated in general and local government elections.
"This takes us a step further in ensuring that no one will be able to complain about the electoral system in Jamaica," said Dr. Peter Phillips, leader of government business.
But Derrick Smith, leader of Opposition business, said that there was one more step to go as the legislative amendments necessary to bring the electronic system into law were still being awaited.
"We would surely like to implement this as early as possible," he said, noting that the next general election, due in 2007, could be called at any time.
Dr. Phillips subsequently indicated that the amendments could possibly be brought to the House before the Christmas break.
During last year's local government elections, the electronic system was used in a pilot project in the St. Andrew Eastern constituency. The EAC has described the trial run as a success and has suggested necessary amendments to the Representation of the People Act and the Parish Council Act.
