Opposition observers warn of irregularities at local elections

The movement observers said that they recorded a large number of cases of voters being brought in, unidentified people with lists of voters, votes cast for others, voters being directed who to vote for as well as a large number of violations of the regulation on secrecy of the vote by people who took pictures of their ballots.

“There were cases of vote buying, irregularities in the operation of polling station staff and pressure on observers along with a series of technical shortcomings in organizing the process,” the observers’ report said. It added that they also recorded cases of voters being prevented from entering polling stations, irregularities with electoral rolls and failing to secure ballots and records.

“The extent and nature of those irregularities indicate systemic problems in organizing and conducting elections,” the report said adding that immediate steps need to be taken to protect the election process.