Iraq electoral commission says biometric voter cards cannot be forged as it prohibits cell phones and cameras

BAGHDAD — The Independent High Electoral Commission said Tuesday that Iraq’s biometric voter cards are protected by a triple-verification system and automatic security locks that prevent forgery or misuse. The statement comes ahead of the parliamentary elections set for Nov. 11.

Hassan Hadi Zayer, a member of the commission’s media team, told Al-Iraqiya News that “the technical procedures of the biometric card make it impossible to exploit or forge, with almost zero margin for error or manipulation.”

He explained that under Law No. 4 of 2023, only voters holding biometric cards are eligible to cast their ballots. “Verification occurs through a three-way match between the card, the data stored in it, and the voter’s biometric information such as fingerprint and photo,” Zayer said.

He added that verification devices are equipped with cameras to assist when fingerprints are unclear, especially for elderly voters or those whose work affects handprints. “Once the card is used at a polling center, it automatically locks for 72 hours, making it useless for anyone else,” he said.

Zayer said each ballot paper includes a barcode and mathematical algorithms linking the verification system with result transmission devices, “making tampering technically impossible.” He urged voters not to fall for attempts to buy voter cards, “as they cannot be used by anyone other than their rightful owner.”

He also emphasized that voter secrecy is fully protected. “Phones and cameras are banned inside polling stations, allowing citizens to vote freely without any pressure,” Zayer said.