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Biometric Elections in Poor Countries: Wasteful or a Worthwhile Investment? - Working Paper 435

Author

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  • Alan Gelb and Anna Diofasi

Abstract

Elections have emerged as a leading area for the application of biometric technology in developing countries, despite its high costs and uncertainty over its effectiveness. One-off voter registrations, as practiced in many countries and supported by donors, also often leave nothing behind in terms of permanent, sustainable, identification assets. Why then do donors support such programs? The paper considers the costs and benefits of technology, where the latter involves its potential to reduce the probability of seriously disputed elections that escalate into violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan Gelb and Anna Diofasi, 2016. "Biometric Elections in Poor Countries: Wasteful or a Worthwhile Investment? - Working Paper 435," Working Papers 435, Center for Global Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgd:wpaper:435
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    File URL: http://www.cgdev.org/publication/biometric-elections-poor-countries-wasteful-or-worthwhile-investment
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    Cited by:

    1. Manby, Bronwen, 2021. "The Sustainable Development Goals and ‘legal identity for all’: ‘First, do no harm’," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    biometrics; elections; democracy; development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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