IEC warns against conduct that could disrupt voting process
Political tensions often escalate during election periods, with supporters of rival parties sometimes clashing outside polling stations.
Alpha Ramushwana
IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo briefs the media on the voter registration drive. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
As special voting continues on Tuesday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is urging political parties and their supporters to refrain from any conduct that could disrupt the voting process.
Political tensions often escalate during election periods, with supporters of rival parties sometimes clashing outside polling stations.
The IEC said campaigning, intimidating voters or attempting to influence their choices at voting stations is strictly prohibited.
IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo said voters and political party representatives must also cooperate with electoral rules.
“The commission reminds voters to observe the dos and don’ts at voting stations to safeguard the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process. Voters are reminded that making a photographic image of marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited. Voters must mark their ballot papers in private, in the designated voting compartments, and follow the instructions of election officials throughout the process.”