Your selfie will land you in trouble
Voters are warned not to take selfies of their ballot papers, or while they are in the voting booth, on May 7.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), following voting by South Africans abroad, a number of photographs appeared on social media in which voters had photographed their marked ballot papers.
Selfies are photographs taken of individuals by themselves, typically with cellphones.
Due to the growing popularity of selfies on social media, and social campaigns promoting voting, the IEC notes that this may undermine the secrecy of the vote.
The IEC says it supports voters expressing their support for democracy and the elections through social media and selfies, but this should be done within the law.
“Voters may take photographs of themselves outside the voting station, and of their inked thumbs to show their participation,” an IEC press release read.
Voters should note that it’s an offence to take or publish photographs which reveal a person’s vote on a ballot paper.
“Convicted offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year,” said the press release.
To avoid conviction, the IEC appeals to voters to respect the law and the fundamental right of secrecy, which forms part of the democratic system.
