Integrating ICT in Elections: How Uganda Implemented Biometric Voter Registration, 2001–2016

Abstract

Maintaining an accurate, comprehensive voter registry is a crucial component of electoral processes, and critical to carrying out an election. An accurate voter register is an essential component in protecting voting rights of qualified voters (United Nations, 2005). Voter registration represents a vital government function, particularly after conflict, in order to ratify eligibility of voters, prevent multiple voting, and ensure that eligible voters enjoy their right to vote. This case study examines how the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) overhauled its voter registry between 2000 and 2016, moving from a handwritten, manual compilation of information to a biometric register.