Don’t strike a pose while you cast your vote
JOBURG – The Electoral Commission warns against voters taking pictures of themselves with their marked ballot papers on election day as it increases the risk of undermining the secrecy of the vote.
Don’t strike a pose while you cast your vote.
The Electoral Commission has appealed to voters to respect the privacy and secrecy of their vote by refraining from taking pictures in the ballot booth and of their marked ballot papers in this week’s election.
The popularity of selfies – photographs taken of themselves by people using their cellphones – along with a number of social media campaigns promoting voting selfies has increased the risk of undermining the secrecy of the vote.
According to a press release from the Electoral Commission, a number of photographs appeared on social media in which South African voters had photographed their marked ballot papers while voting abroad last week.
“The Electoral Commission strongly supports voters expressing their support for democracy and the elections through social media and selfies but these should be within the law. Voters may take photographs of themselves outside the voting station and of their inked thumbs to show their participation,” the release stated.
The commission reminded voters that it is an offence to take and/or publish photographs which reveal a person’s vote on a ballot paper. Upon conviction offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
While taking a camera or photographic equipment into the voting booth is prohibited, the Electoral Commission admits it’s not feasible to remove every voter’s cellphone and to return these to voters after they have voted.
“The Electoral Commission therefore appeals to voters to respect the law and the fundamental right of secrecy which underpins the democratic system.”
