'No to indelible ink, voting method still secure'

The existing method of voting is still relevant, secure and transparent, said Election Commission public relations officer Sabri Said.

In a statement today, he said the EC had proposed using indelible ink in the last general election but had to abandon it for several reasons.

"Apart from security, the proposal was also found to be in conflict with Clause (1) Article 119 of the federal constitution, which guarantees the right of a registered voter to vote unless he is disqualified under the laws relating to elections.

"In this context, should the indelible ink be used, it is feared that the denial of the right of a voter to vote could happen in situations when the finger could be marked with the permanent ink whether voluntarily or unaware of its implication," he said.

Sabri said the EC viewed seriously allegations by certain quarters that there were voters who voted twice in elections and thus the need for the indelible ink.

He added that the EC would like to see these people (who voted twice) charged in court but to date no one had come up with evidence to the effect.

- Bernama