Hadi highlights "spy camera" photo as proof that balloting is not secret

The spy camera picture we highlighted yesterday has made it to the news today. In a report titled "PAS: pix is proof voting is not secret" in page 2 of today's theSun, PAS president Hadi Awang pointed to the picture as proof that the Election Commission could not guarantee the confidentiality of the election process.

"The ability of certain parties to take the picture of voters marking the ballot papers behind the voting booth is proof that voting is not secret," said Hadi.

"This makes voters feel not free in making their choice."

Incidentally, the picture in question was taken in Marang, the seat which Hadi lost.

Blog visitor Kurang Asam is disgusted: "It is sickening indeed, first they spy in the toilets, now the ballot booths. We call these people Political Perverts."

Our posting yesterday raised questions about the overall secrecy of the ballot and sparked a flurry of responses from blog visitors.

Kevin points out correctly, "I think that’s a Reuters photograph."

Regular visitor Lucia says, "I thought it is illegal to have the ballot papers marked, no? It is! Read the letter from Jarrod Daniel, a polling agent in Malaysiakini?

"This (ballot papers being marked) is one of the reasons many govt. servants and even Uni students dare not vote the opposition for fear of their being traced. Unfair!…This practice of marking the papers is very wrong and should be stopped."

Chris shares Lucia's outrage about the serial numbers on ballot papers: "No wonder my friends are so angry and they are not willing to vote at that moment."

"What is 'rahsia'? What does that mean? Pencil…well, they think that we are small kids (who) need guidance so that our choice can be erased anytime they want.

"Why not pen? As I am a first-time voter this time, I brought along my PEN. I was confused - why couldn't I use my own pen? People, OPEN your eyes and see what’s going on.

Another regular Kurang Asam adds: "Well, too bad we are on 'the other side' of the 'law; probably we should bend the rules, they give pencils, we bring pens, etc.

"The only way to raise an issue is to complain, complain, complain until the cows come home."

"Eventually they will submit when they are sick and tired of hearing our pleas. Or will they turn a deaf ear? Let's all be vocal and voice our dissatisfaction."

Lucia responds: "They should provide us with marker pens to mark the ballot paper - that is the best methinks... very clear and unerasable."

Ann is cynical of the Election Commission and suggests that it is subservient to the BN.