The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced a ban on cell phones inside polling stations for the September 1 elections to protect ballot secrecy and combat vote selling.
In a statement, GECOM emphasized that this measure aims to ensure that citizens can vote freely and without influence. Concerns over the photographing of ballots, which facilitates vote selling, prompted this decision.
To enforce the ban, GECOM will:
- Post clear notices prohibiting cell phone use.
- Make announcements throughout polling day reminding voters to switch off their phones.
- Instruct voters to leave phones on designated tables before receiving their ballots.
- Temporarily hold voters’ ID cards until after voting.
Any attempt to photograph a ballot will trigger alarms and be reported to the police. GECOM reiterated that vote selling is a criminal offense, punishable by fines and imprisonment.
The Commission urged voters to cooperate with the new rules, highlighting their importance in maintaining confidence in the electoral process and ensuring free and fair elections.
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