YSK’s Ruling on Ballot Box Committee Seal Stamped on Ballot Papers
YSK Issues Decision on Validity of Ballots with Stamps on the Front
The Supreme Election Board (YSK) in Turkey has issued a decision on the validity of ballots with stamps on the front face. Some political parties have complained that the stamp of the ballot box committee was stamped on the front of the presidential ballot boxes in some polling stations, and that while the back of some ballots was sealed, this seal was also seen on the front face of the ballot box due to an ink stain.
After examining the applications, the YSK has decided that during the counting and casting of ballots, action should be taken in accordance with Articles 98 and 101 of the Law No. 298 and Article 41 of the Circular No. 135. It means that envelopes with the watermark, emblem, and the seal of the District Election Board of the Republic of Turkey, even though they do not have the seal of the ballot box committee, and the envelopes that have a stain or scratch on them, even if there are stains or scratches on them, for the purpose of making a special mark, will be considered valid.
The decision also states that counting and casting of votes should begin immediately, and complaints and objections will not stop the work. Article 98 of the Law No. 298 says that any seal other than the seal of the district election board and ballot box committee, which is not in the form and color given by the ballot box committee, does not have the seal of the district election board and ballot box committee, is completely torn, on it, envelopes with signature, writing, fingerprints, or any other sign are deemed invalid. However, envelopes that cannot be clearly understood to have been made with a special mark are considered valid.
This decision by the YSK will ensure that the validity of the ballots is maintained and that the elections remain transparent and fair. The counting process will go on uninterrupted, and any complaints or objections will be taken into consideration after the votes have been counted. This decision will reassure the public that their votes will be counted correctly and their voices will be heard.
