This was according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which appealed to voters to respect the privacy and secrecy of the vote by not taking photos in ballot booths and of their marked ballots.
This comes after the ‘selfie’ – a photograph taken of oneself – trend made its way into voting booths.
“It is an offence to take and/or publish photographs which reveal a person’s vote on a ballot paper. Upon conviction offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year,” said IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela.
There had been instances of overseas voters taking such photographs as well as apparent social media campaigns promoting the action, according to Bapela.
Taking a camera or photographic equipment into the voting booth is prohibited.
Voters may take photographs of themselves outside the voting station and of their inked thumbs to show their participation.
