DIC plans new tender for fingerprint voting devices
Procurement will include new software, licences and a maintenance contract; DIC is expected to seek government funding for the purchase.
The State Election Commission (DIC) is preparing a new procurement for the fingerprint-capable voting equipment, the purchase to cover associated software, licences and a maintenance contract.
Initial estimates place the cost of the tender at significant levels: "the tender will cost at least 50% of the previous, which was 11,2 million euros, and at most 150% more." These figures reflect the commission's preliminary calculation of the total package, including hardware and ongoing support.
Officially, the commission notes that the five-year term tied to the existing supply has expired; that arrangement had been in the hands of Dermalog.
Financing and next steps
According to available information, DIC intends to ask the Government to cover the expense of the new purchase. The commission is expected to open the formal tender procedure once the funding question and technical specifications are finalised.
The timing for issuing the tender and the deadline for submissions remain unconfirmed. Observers say the procurement will include licensing and long-term maintenance elements that could affect both the calendar and the final price.
Photo: press material from the event
