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GECOM to reconsider allowing cell phones in voting booths – Commissioner
Opposition nominated commissioner of GECOM, Vincent Alexander
Kaieteur News – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reconsidering its previous decision to allow voters to carry their cell phones into polling booths during the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
This was disclosed by opposition-nominated commissioner Vincent Alexander during an interview with Kaieteur News on Wednesday.
The initial decision, made last Tuesday by a majority vote and supported by GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, permitted voters to retain their phones without lodging them. The decision was made despite concerns that ballots could potentially be photographed, obstructing the transparency of the election process.
However, according to Alexander, the issue is now reopened for review. “That matter was reopened and there is exploration of what further things we could do in the polling station to ensure that phone is not used,” Alexander explained. “For example, there was a suggestion that where we have our poll booth outside of the area and then we have a desk where persons could put their phones so that they do not take it into the booth. So, we left the meeting with an understanding that the secretariat will now look at the possibilities of restricting access to the phone.”
He added that even if voters arrive with phones, systems will be implemented to prohibit them from using their devices for taking pictures.
The commission was expected to discuss the matter further on Thursday, but the statutory meeting was cancelled due to preparations related to the recently arrived ballot papers. However, Alexander noted that a firm decision will be made as soon as possible.
Concerns over the presence of phones in voting booths were initially raised by Alexander last Tuesday, citing reports of voters being paid to vote for specific parties and using photographed ballots as proof. “There is a rumour that people are being paid to vote for specific parties so what happens when they enter the polling booths, they take a picture to show to the party as proof of how they voted…There was also an instance a few years back of persons voting and taking a picture of the ballot and posting it as soon as they left the polling station. These are the things we are trying to avoid,” Alexander said.
Following these concerns, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) issued a statement last Friday urging GECOM to ban cell phones in polling booths altogether. The party argued that such a move is critical to preserving the secrecy of the vote and preventing electoral fraud. “These elections are likely to see the biggest effort in our history to buy votes. Such a scheme is severely undermined when an elector is unable to provide a photograph of his or her marked ballot to the vote buyer. An election in which votes are bought will not reflect the will of the people,” APNU stated.
APNU also warned voters to be cautious, suggesting that the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) should be viewed with suspicion since their appointed GECOM commissioners voted in favour of allowing cell phones in polling booths. “The APNU coalition would advise voters in general that, to avoid suspicion, they should avoid any handling of their cell phones in the polling booth,” the party said.
In response to the ongoing debate, GECOM reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. The commission reminded all voters and stakeholders of the legal and civic responsibilities under the Representation of the People Act, Cap: 1:03.
The commission reminded that is a criminal offence for any person to directly or indirectly offer money, gifts, or loans to a voter in exchange for their vote. Secondly, it is also illegal for any person, including the voter himself, to communicate at any time to any person, any information about the political party for which any voter has voted on his behalf, or as a proxy on behalf of another voter.
Additionally, GECOM noted that it is a violation of the law for anyone to pressure or influence a voter to show their marked ballot, thereby revealing the party they voted for, either on their own behalf or as a proxy. The commission warned that anyone found guilty of committing these offences may face a fine and up to six months imprisonment upon summary conviction. Furthermore, convicted individuals may also be disqualified from participating in future elections.
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Voters in Barbados are required to lodge their personal items, including cellphones and keys with the Electoral Staff prior to entering the polling booth. After voting, they simply collect their items on the way out. Can someone please explain what is “administratively cumbersome” about that !!!