Tick, Dash, or X..ECZ clarifies valid ballot marks and dismisses false nail rumours

Tick, Dash, or X..ECZ clarifies valid ballot marks and dismisses false nail rumours By DAVID KANDUZATHE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cleared the air on what makes a ballot paper valid, confirming that voters are not restricted to using just an ‘X’ to cast their vote Speaking during a stakeholder meeting recently in Lusaka, […]

Tick, Dash, or X
..ECZ clarifies valid ballot marks and dismisses false nail rumours

By DAVID KANDUZA
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cleared the air on what makes a ballot paper valid, confirming that voters are not restricted to using just an ‘X’ to cast their vote

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting recently in Lusaka, ECZ chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro explained that while the commission traditionally uses an ‘X’ in voter education campaigns, any single, clear mark was acceptable.

“As long as that marking does not cross over to any other candidate, it’s restricted within the particular area for that candidate, it is a valid mark,” Mr Kasaro clarified.

Mr Kasaro strongly warned against false narratives claiming that placing an X means a voter was ‘rejecting’ a candidate before ticking another.

Marking more than one candidate on a single ballot paper would automatically result in the vote being rejected.

To ensure a vote counts, the ECZ chief emphasised two critical rules:do not write names: writing your name on the ballot paper invalidates it. Do not use initials: signing or putting initials anywhere on the paper could spoil the vote.

The ECZ also dismissed widespread rumours that citizens with painted or artificial nails would be turned away from polling stations.

Mr Kasaro assured the public that nail fashion would not restrict anyone’s constitutional right to vote.

Polling officers have received specific instructions on how to handle decorated nails.

They will apply the mandatory indelible ink to both the base of the nail and the surrounding skin, ensuring the mark is clearly visible.

“No one will chase you because you have artificial nails,” Mr Kasaro said.

He reminded the public that the only requirements to vote are a valid Voter’s Card, a National Registration Card and being duly registered on the voter roll.