EBC: New ID cards coming

THE Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has confirmed that citizens will get a new type of national identification (ID) card, as Finance Minister Colm Imbert had recently told the House of Representatives Standing Finance Committee. The EBC sent an e-mail reply to Sunday Newsday’s queries.

Asked why they had decided to issue the new ID cards, the EBC said, “The Board of Commissioners took the decision to update the national identification card in keeping with international best practice in identity management.”

Last Wednesday, Imbert told MPs the roll-out had been due for July but was delayed by the covid19 pandemic, adding that the later the general election is held is the more likely it will involve new ID cards, and vice-versa. He had said, “That matter is now being revisited and reviewed in the context of when an election would be.”

However the EBC could not add any more information as to when the cards would be issued. Asked if the new ID cards will be rolled out in time for the election, the EBC simply said, “The roll-out of this new identification card is receiving the commission’s attention.”

Sunday Newsday asked if the cards will have any new security features, compared to the existing ID cards. “The new card will have a new look and feel, as well as new security features,” the EBC said.

How the EBC will manage the election process with regards to the risk of covid19? The EBC replied, “Once the covid19 protocols that affect the conduct of the upcoming parliamentary election are finalised, political parties and the public will be notified. We are keenly aware that these are issues of public interest.”