Honduras Leads in Biometric Implementation in Central America

Boca Raton - November 30, 2021 - The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Honduras used biometric technology for the first time to accurately authenticate the identity of more than 3 million voters during the general elections on November 28.

International electoral observers, civil society organizations and political party representatives who closely monitored the entire process gave a positive rating to this first implementation of biometric technology in the country.

"We are pleased to inform the Honduran nation that the biometric identification system, a novelty in the country's democratic history, has been a determining factor in ensuring the accuracy in this election process," said Kelvin Aguirre, president of the CNE.

Smartmatic provided 20,000 biometric devices that facilitated voter identity verification. By unequivocally identifying voters, biometrics made it possible to mitigate irregularities related to identity theft and facilitate efficient administration of voting centers. The system provided more than 100,000 voters with correct and immediate information about their voting center.

The Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) also congratulated the CNE authorities for the improvements implemented in the electoral system. In the report presented, the organization highlighted the technological innovations and the correct functioning of the biometric devices during the process in general.

For his part, Francisco Campos, director of Smartmatic for Central America, stated, “We feel honored to accompany Honduras in the modernization of its elections. We hope that they continue to advance the use of electoral technology in future processes, to continue increasing trust and transparency around the election.”

According to official figures, turnout was above 68%, the largest turnout of voters since 1997. In this election Hondurans elected a new president, local authorities, and deputies to the National Congress and Central American Parliament.

Honduras by numbers:

Eligible voters: 5,182,436 Voting centers: 5,755 Vote Receiving Boards: 18,936 Biometric devices: 20,000 Participation: 68% Candidates: 32,000