Kudu raises concerns about ballot secrecy, colour changes and printing process

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has submitted a series of questions to the Elections Commission (EC) regarding the ballot papers to be used in Saturday’s local council elections, women’s development committee elections and the general vote.

In a letter addressed to EC Chairman Mohamed Zahid, Kudu raised concerns about the transparency and preparedness of the three simultaneous elections.

His first question asked why all three ballot papers are white, despite election officials being trained on the basis that each ballot would be printed in a different colour. He asked the EC to explain what difficulties may arise from the sudden change, and what rules apply if differences in folding or handling of ballots compromise the secrecy of the vote.

Kudu’s third question sought clarification on allegations of corruption related to the preparation and printing of ballot papers.

His fourth question asked the EC to reaffirm its responsibility to ensure the secrecy and validity of all votes cast.

The local council elections, women’s development committee elections and a general referendum will be held on Saturday, April 4.

As the vote approaches, public concern over the referendum has grown. Several individuals filed constitutional challenges at the Supreme Court, arguing that the question on merging the presidential and parliamentary elections was unconstitutional. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the question was not illegal.