Papua New Guinean Developer Unveils Biometric Voting Prototype

​A young Papua New Guinean has introduced a prototype for a revolutionary PNG Biometric Voting Application and Centralized Data System aimed at combating election fraud and improving service delivery in the country.

Dixon Kumis, a 30-year-old entrepreneur and software developer from Papua New Guinea, has unveiled a prototype for the PNG Biometric Voting Mobile Application, designed for future elections in the country. The application is part of a broader centralized system that will integrate essential institutions, including hospitals, schools, and police stations.

Mr. Kumis emphasized the importance of a locally developed application, stating, “PNG Biometric App must be created by a Papua New Guinean that understands our people, culture, and processes.” He argued that local expertise is crucial for understanding the unique needs and circumstances of Papua New Guineans, rather than relying on foreign solutions.

The prototype is ready for further development pending government approval. Once operational, the app will be available for download on both iOS and Android smartphones. Kumis highlighted the app’s potential to facilitate voting from home without intimidation or coercion. “Counting and declaration can be done within minutes by pushing a button on the app,” he said.

Kumis believes the application could significantly reduce election fraud, voter intimidation, violence, bribery, and legal disputes related to elections. He also noted the financial benefits, estimating a reduction in election costs from over K1 billion to less than K100 million, thereby saving the Government of Papua New Guinea and the PNG Electoral Commission approximately K900 million for other developmental needs.

The application will be hosted on secure and encrypted cloud platforms such as Google or Amazon. An administration center based in Australia will oversee the project to prevent local manipulation, with support centers in PNG providing assistance.

Voting will be conducted through biometric verification using custom-made tablets for facial and fingerprint recognition. The system is also designed to streamline census processes by automatically updating demographic information.

Kumis compared the system to Australia’s MyGov App and the United States’ Social Security System, aiming to provide accurate data to support national development goals. “I hope to hear from the right people to see if we can bring this project to fruition so we can help our country move forward,” he said, inviting support and collaboration to make this ambitious project a reality.

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