By Michael Foli Jackidy
Xipe (V/R), Dec. 07, GNA-Elderly voters at the Xipe DA Primary School Polling Station (Xipe A) in the Ketu North Constituency are encountering difficulties with the fingerprint verification process.
The polling station, which has 400 registered voters, had recorded 105 votes cast as of 0954hrs
Despite the smooth progression of the voting exercise, aged voters have required additional support from election officials to complete their verification.
Mr. Frederick Nyaletey, the Presiding Officer at the polling station, explained that the fingerprint scanning machines sometimes struggle to capture the fingerprints of older voters due to changes in skin texture or clarity.
To address these challenges, officials are taking extra care to clean voters’ fingers thoroughly and, where necessary, resorting to the use of facial recognition for verification.
“The aged face some unique challenges with the fingerprint devices, but we are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot without undue stress,” Mr. Nyaletey said.
He added that the polling station is adequately equipped and that officials are well-trained to handle such situations promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
As of the time of reporting, a substantial number of voters were observed patiently waiting in line to cast their votes.
Party agents at the polling station expressed satisfaction with the orderly nature of the exercise and commended the Electoral Commission for ensuring the availability of alternative methods like facial recognition to mitigate potential disenfranchisement.
Voters at the scene, particularly the elderly, appreciated the efforts of the officials in managing the situation, highlighting the importance of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of age, is given the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right.
GNA