THE Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) say it is far advanced with preparations for the National Identification and Registration Inspectorate (NIRI).

The commission, in a release Thursday, said it is aiming to have NIRI operational by the end of the current financial year, which ends March 31, 2024.

In 2022 ECJ members were appointed commissioners of the inspectorate to give independent oversight of the operations of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

"The commission's proven track record in the management of personal data, the large-scale production and security of voter ID cards, and the internationally recognised confidence in the nation's electoral system were undoubtedly key factors in the appointment of the ECJ as the inspectorate," the ECJ said.

With the appointment the commission is charged with the mandate to, inter alia:

• monitor compliance with the National Identification and Registration Act;

• monitor the performance of NIRA; conduct periodic inspection of NIRA;

• give NIRA direction and advice on the collection, processing and storage of identity information;

and

• investigate issues and complaints.

In its regulatory role NIRI is also enabled to undertake audits, summon the NIRA as required, and take enforcement actions. With the impending enactment of data protection legislation the NIRI is also preparing to monitor the policies, procedures and practices for ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of an individual's identity under the National Identification system.

Said the electoral commission: "The addition of the NIRI to the ECJ commissioners' portfolio of responsibilities is a welcome expansion of the ECJ's current roles and functions. Having assumed this new commission, the ECJ members have promptly taken steps to reposition the organisation to ensure the smooth integration of the NIRI with existing operations."