Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-05-04

South Africa’s 5th democratic elections is just a few days away.

After 20 years of freedom and democracy, many born frees will be excited to vote for the first time & will want to mark the occasion with a "selfie" which they hope will be a remembrance that they can reflect upon in the future or something to tell the children about.

But be warned…

That while the 2014 South African elections is a hot bed of potential selfie opportunities at the voting booth – remember that according to the voting rules people may not take camera equipment into the voting booth – so no selfies when voting!

The Independant Electoral Commission said South Africans must not take 'selfies' in the ballot booth or of their ballot papers during Wednesday's elections. 

"It is an offence to take and/or publish photographs which reveal a person’s vote on a ballot paper. Upon conviction offenders will be liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year," said Independent Electoral Commission of SA spokesperson Kate Bapela.

She said that while it was not viable to take away all voters' cellphones as they entered the booths, the organisation asked people to respect the law.

Bapela said there had been instances of overseas voters taking such photographs as well as apparent social media campaigns promoting the action.

"Voters may take photographs of themselves outside the voting station and of their inked thumbs to show their participation."

South Africa is not the first country to issue this No Selfie in the voting booth warning. Bapela said there had been instances of overseas voters taking such photographs as well as apparent social media campaigns promoting the action

When the citizens in the Philippines were about to cast their vote they were issued with a similar warning.

Taking photos outside the station and whilst in the queue is permissible but be considerate to those who might no want their photo taken.

People are fallible and will test the no selfie rule but be warned this is traceable especially if you share the "selfie" on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
 

(Twitter: @Faizie143)