Elections 2019: The indelible link – how easily can it be removed?
One voter described how the ink mark 'came off easily after washing his hands fairly vigorously'
While the votes from yesterday’s poll are being counted, complaints have been received that the ‘indelible ink’ used on voters’ thumbs, indicating that they have cast their ballots, can be easily removed.
The Courier received complaints of four such cases in Durnacol and several in Dundee. The IFP has lodged a complaint against the IEC.
One voter told the Courier that after voting at Dundee Junior, he went home to check the oil on his vehicle.
After that, he washed his hands ‘vigorously’ and found that the ink mark could be easily removed.
“As far as I know, those machines that scan i.d. documents are not ‘live’ and do not go to a central point to say that someone has voted. So, theoretically, I could go to another voting stations and cast my vote as in this general election one does not necessarily have to cast their vote where one is registered,” said the resident who preferred not to be named.
Responding to the claims, the IEC said: “The Electoral Commission has also noted media and social media reports of voters who have attempted or apparently been able to remove the indelible ink mark on their thumbs.
“The indelible ink is one of a number of security checks and safeguards built into the election process but the Commission wishes to remind all voters that any attempt to undermine the integrity of the election process – including attempting to remove the ink mark – constitutes electoral fraud and is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.”
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