There is unchallenged evidence that this did in fact take place in a
number of instances.
Section 38(2) of the Representation of the People Act
requires the
presiding officer to destroy the ballot paper where an elector refused to immerse
the appropriate digit or any other digit in the electoral ink.
c
The purpose of the ink is to prevent a voter from voting more than once.
Failure to observe this requirement facilitates multiple voting by an elector and
,I
where it is wide spread it could cast doubt on the integrity of the votes counted
for the candidate declared elected. It also compromises the principle of free and
fair elections.
Polling Division 56
The complaints in respect of this polling division are:
(i)
that a substitute presiding officer officiated and was never given
an official electoral list of electors
(ii)
that a number of persons voted without satisfying the presiding
officers as to their identity;
(iii)
that a number of persons who were not bona fide electors voted;
(iv)
that there was multiple voting by a number of persons.
Section 32(l)(f) requires the returning officer to furnish each presiding officer
c,
-
with an official list of electors for use at the polling station.
Section 34(1) requires the official list to be consulted to ascertain if the person
applying for a ballot is a qualified elector.