IFRA Seminar : The Biometric Promise: Technology, Market and Elections in Africa
On 21st October, we had an insightful presentation from Dr Marielle Debos, a Professor of Political Science at the Université Paris Nanterre about the electoral biometric system in Africa, and how it was intended for technological solutionism in times of crisis, but instead, serves as a theoretical performance in democracy. She also touched on how the biometric system is a politicized “anti-politics” machine. It was intended to increase voters’ confidence, yet it seems to have the opposite effect. This prompted an interesting discussion on its capability as a solution against fraud during elections.
We are grateful to the discussant Mustafa Mahmoud Yousif from Namati for his valuable insights and to all the attendees.


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
IFRA Nairobi (October 7, 2025). IFRA Seminar : The Biometric Promise: Technology, Market and Elections in Africa. IFRA Nairobi. Retrieved February 15, 2026 from https://doi.org/10.58079/14v6e

