Friday 19 July 2013

‘Voters’ try dipping fingers into ink

The Election Commission held a simulation exercise here for the new requirement for voters to dip their fingers into a bottle of indelible ink for the Kuala Besut by-election.

Several volunteers, including journalists, dipped their left index finger into a bottle of the new indelible ink to test its effectiveness.

Lee Long Hui, a reporter with an online news portal, said he could not wash off the stain on his left index finger despite trying to do so twice using soap.

“The indelible ink could not be washed off but I am not sure if this will be the same ink that will be used on polling day,” he said, adding that the light purple colour turned dark after a while.

The dipping of the finger is a new procedure introduced by the EC for the July 24 polls following complaints on the use of indelible ink in the recent general election.

The simulation yesterday followed the normal process during polling day, including verification of the identity card against the electoral roll and a check to ensure that a voter’s hands are clean. After this, the “voter” dipped his left index finger into the indelible ink bottle and used the edge of its mouth to get rid of excess ink to prevent it from dripping, especially onto the ballot paper.

The simulation was supervised by the EC’s Election Academy director Abdullah Jusoh.

Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof advised voters to ensure their fingers were clean and not oily before dipping their fingers into the indelible ink.

“After the dipping process, the ink should be allowed 30 seconds to dry. The EC has found that even if it is washed off, the colour will return,” he said in a statement.

He also said the National Fatwa Council had verified that the indelible ink used was halal and suitable for use by Muslims.

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