Gambia’s election chief, Alieu Momar Njai has said the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is considering swapping marbles in favour of ballot papers for voters in future national elections.Since elections began in The Gambia under British colonial rule in the early 20th century, glass marbles instead of ballot papers are used in successive voting exercises, including the latest poll cycle which began last December. Speaking to the online Fatu Network on Wednesday, Mr Njai said the introduction of ballot papers which are the standard voting materials for much of the rest of the world, could be as early as the local government elections scheduled for 12 April 2018.
The IEC chief said the proposal is being seriously assessed and a decision on its feasibility will be finalized ahead of the vote in which 120 wards are up for grabs.
According to him, ballot papers would be more cost effective and a lot easier to transport than heavy marble-filled drums.
Full Article: Gambia mulls switch from marbles to ballot papers in future elections – Journal du Cameroun.