Eastern Ukrainians began voting early Sunday in a referendum on secession, but claims quickly mounted of multiple voting. Pro-unity activists posted a video showing how easy it was to vote more than once. The head of the separatists’ election commission, Roman Lyagin, told VOA multiple voting was impossible because people had to queue for about a half-hour to vote – therefore no other precautions were necessary. Additional details of the election process, provided by Lyagin, could be cause to question the integrity of the vote.
Lyagin told VOA that the separatists have been working off a 2012 electoral database, but it is incomplete and they have been adding names. He also said that anyone who turns up at a polling station and is not on the list is allowed to vote.
Ballot papers in the referendum were also printed without security provisions, voter registration was patchy and there was confusion over what the vote was for. Analysts said the referendum does not meet international standards and is open to fraud.
Full Article: Vote for Sovereignty in Eastern Ukraine Brings Voter Fraud Concerns.