Election 2016: Things to avoid doing at the polls
The fifth municipal elections are around the corner, and with more than 25 million South Africans expected to take to the polls this year, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has come up with a list of rules to ensure that voting day runs smoothly.
Here are some of the things you should avoid doing, come August 3:
Selfies:
As excited as many people may be about casting their ballots, the IEC has called for some restraint when taking pictures at the polls and posting them to social media sites.
The IEC has explicitly banned the taking of selfies and especially pictures of marked ballots.
This will not only compromise a vote, but it will result in an official disallowing the ballot from being submitted.
Convicted offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment - not exceeding one year.
Pokemon Go:
It’s a “NO” for Pokemon Go!
IEC officials say that playing the popular mobile game – and attempting to catch Pokemon at voting stations - is forbidden as it may distract voters. So even if you spot a Pikachu camouflaged in a yellow ANC banner, the best thing to do is to NOT make any attempts to pursue him.
You may just “catch” the unwanted attention of a disgruntled official, instead!
Alcohol:
While many may see exercising their constitutional right to vote as a celebration, the IEC suggests that having a drink on election day should be done anywhere but at the polls.
Anyone found in possession of any alcoholic beverage on their person at voting stations, will be fined.
Intimidation of other voters:
Every South African is entitled to cast their ballots for a representative or party of their choice. Any heckling, intimidation or violence against voters at voting stations will be dealt with severely, according to the IEC’s policy and the law.
The IEC also says that rumours of pens with disappearing ink being used at polls, is an urban legend.
Weapons:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the IEC explicitly forbids any member of the public to carry or bear a weapon at any voting station.
The Dangerous Weapons Act of 2013 and the Regulation of Gatherings Act of 1993, provides for the right of citizens to gather peacefully, but to do so without bearing dangerous weapons, inflicting harm on others or damaging property or infrastructure.”
If you have any questions about the do’s or don’ts at voting stations, please contact the IEC for further details: 0800 11 8000.