Actor Tumisho Masha has sparked controversy after sharing a photograph of his marked ballot paper during Wednesday’s Local Government Elections.
Masha shared the picture on social media, revealing that he had cast his vote for ActionSA.
“My mark has been made. Action SA is the only party that knows how to fix Joburg,” he said.
However, his decision to photograph his ballot paper has attracted criticism, with social media users questioning why he ignored warnings against the practice.
Former Democratic Alliance MP Phumzile Van Damme also weighed in, reminding voters that photographing their marked ballot papers is illegal.
“Guys. It is illegal to take photos of your ballot paper. Do not do it. The rules exist to prevent political parties from demanding evidence of voting decisions. You all have such beautiful thumbs, I promise stru. Share photos of those,” she said.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has repeatedly warned voters against photographing their marked ballot papers.
The warning comes after a 32-year-old man was arrested in Limpopo for allegedly photographing his marked ballot paper during special voting on Monday.
The incident happened at Chuchekani Primary School voting station in the Humulani settlement, where the man allegedly took a photograph of his ballot paper after casting his vote.
A second voter was also accused of photographing his ballot paper and allegedly became aggressive when confronted by the presiding officer.
The 32-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday and is expected to appear before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court. Police are still searching for the second suspect.
