Monrovia – Concerns have arisen over a shortage of ink at room number seven within the Oneness Faith Polling Precinct in District Three. The scarcity of ink has the potential to lead to irregularities in the ongoing election process, as numerous voters are casting their ballots without the customary ink marking on their fingers, which is a crucial electoral practice designed to prevent irregularities.
Inking voters’ fingers after they cast their votes has long been a standard procedure implemented by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to maintain the integrity of elections.
Several voters have already reported that they were able to vote without being inked, while the election supervisor had yet to provide the necessary ink.
Adding to the concern, an anonymous NEC worker from Room Seven within the same center stated that the situation there had become chaotic since the polls opened. “This place is seriously messed up, and if we are not careful, it could lead to tension,” the NEC worker warned in an interview with FPA.
The NEC worker explained that, initially, they resorted to using GV, a medical chemical typically used for treating wounds on voters’ fingers when the limited ink supply ran out. Unfortunately, even the GV supply was exhausted, leaving the workers with no choice but to allow voters to cast their ballots without the customary ink marking.
Reportedly, some voters had to leave the center due to the delays, while others continued to exhibit patience.
As of 5:00 p.m., there was still no ink available at the center. Additionally, three police officers arrived at the scene but later departed.
Some observers have voiced concerns about the potential for heightened tension at the center if immediate measures are not taken to address the situation.
In the midst of these challenges, some voters who have yet to cast their ballots are calling on the NEC to consider extending the voting deadline, suggesting an extension from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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