Warning against ballot photos
THE Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has warned voters against taking photographs of their marked ballot papers.
Those flouting the regulation face the prospect of being found guilty of an offence and conviction.
“Voters are reminded that the secrecy of the vote is protected by law and it is an offence to take a photograph of a marked ballot,” the IEC said.
According to electoral regulations, any person who takes photographs of marked ballot papers will be liable to the payment of a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
The regulations also prohibit persons, except for a member of the security services on duty at that voting station, to enter the boundaries of voting stations with a firearm without the permission of the presiding officer.
Equally prohibited is the display or distribution of party billboards, posters, placards or pamphlets.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has meanwhile urged employers to allow workers to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“I want to remind all employers that in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, overtime work is voluntary and it is unlawful for any employer to force an employee to work overtime without an employee’s consent,” she said.