EC asked to explain use of single colour ballot papers
The elections and referendum are scheduled to be held on Saturday.
A request has been submitted to the Elections Commission seeking clarification over its decision to use a single colour for ballot papers in the upcoming local council and Women’s Development Committee elections, as well as the public referendum.
The elections and referendum are scheduled to be held on Saturday. Sample ballot papers released by the Commission show that all three ballots use black text on white paper.
Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim, raised concerns regarding the decision and submitted a letter to the President of the Elections Commission, Mohamed Zahid.
In the letter, he noted that the Commission’s ‘Guide to Voting’ handbook had illustrated the ballots in different colours. He also stated that training for election officials had been conducted on the basis that the ballots would be colour-coded.
The letter sought clarification on several points, including the reason for printing all ballots on white paper and the implications for election officials who were trained to expect different colours.
It also raised concerns about possible challenges arising from similarities between the ballots and the handling of ballot papers, including the need to ensure the secrecy of votes.
The letter further questioned whether there were any grounds for allegations related to procurement and printing of the ballot papers.
The Elections Commission issued a statement dismissing claims that the use of a single colour would affect the secrecy of the vote.
The Commission stated that procedures are in place to ensure that ballot secrecy is maintained and confirmed that voters will receive all three ballot papers to cast their votes independently.
