The popularity of ‘selfies’ \u2013 photographs taken by people of themselves using their cellphones \u2013 along with a number of social media campaigns promoting voting ‘selfies’ has increased the risk of undermining the secrecy of the vote.<\/p>\n
Following voting by South Africans abroad last week, a number of photographs appeared on social media in which voters had photographed their marked ballot papers.<\/p>
The Electoral Commission strongly supports voters expressing their support for democracy and the elections through social media and ‘selfies’ but these should be within the law.<\/p>\n
Voters may take photographs of themselves outside the voting station and of their inked thumbs to show their participation.<\/p>
Voters are, however, reminded that it is an offence to take and\/or publish photographs which reveal a person\u2019s vote on a ballot paper.<\/p>\n
Upon conviction offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.<\/p>\n
While taking a camera or photographic equipment into the voting booth is prohibited, it is not feasible to remove every voter\u2019s cellphone and to return these to voters after they have voted.<\/p>\n
The Electoral Commission therefore appeals to voters to respect the law and the fundamental right of secrecy which underpins the democratic system.<\/p>\n