The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced five rules governing photography and filming during the ballot-counting process, which will be allowed for the first time after Saturday’s presidential and legislative elections.
Commission Deputy Chairman Chen Wen-sheng (陳文生) said that members of the public cannot use flashes or other sources of light when taking photos or filming; go beyond the observation areas either physically or with their equipment; block the view of other people with their equipment; attempt to direct, interfere or stop the ballot counting processes verbally or by gestures; or take photos of personnel at specific ballot booths.
“We understand that there may be a large crowd of people who are eager to ‘oversee’ the ballot counting process, so these rules are detailed so that people can avoid unintentional violations,” Chen said.
Given that the ballot counting does not begin until after at least 4pm, which might affect visibility, people who unwittingly use their camera flash to take a picture will be asked by staff members to turn off their flashes, Chen said.
If the warnings are disregarded, the staffers would ask the photographer to leave the ballot-counting area, he added.
He also reminded the public that while the commission agreed to allow photography and filming during ballot counting, neither is allowed during the voting phase.
The commission has notified its branches nationwide and there is to be a poster at each voting booth reminding the public not to take photos, Chen said.
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