Central Election Commission Issues New Guidelines to Ease Polling Queues

The Central Election Commission has announced a series of immediate measures to streamline the voting process following long queues reported at several polling stations across the country.

A major directive issued to polling station teams states that voters whose identity cards have expired should not be delayed. According to the instruction, as long as the photograph on the ID is clear and recognizable, voters must be allowed to exercise their right and cast their ballots normally.

To save time, simultaneous processing has been authorized and recommended. Under the updated guidelines, the next voter in line may step behind the voting booth while the preceding voter is completing the final registration steps with the secretary. Additionally, staff members were instructed not to delay voters over envelope signatures, ensuring that the process is handled efficiently to prevent congestion.

Here are the updated guidelines:

• Simultaneous identification: While a voter is behind the polling booth, staff should begin identifying the next person in line. The next voter will step behind the screen once the previous one finishes.

• Streamlined identification: When a voter's identity is clear, no additional questioning is required. Votes may be cast with an expired ID card as long as the photo allows for proper identification.

• Separate individual inquiries: When further clarification is needed, one secretary will handle it off to the side while another continues to process incoming voters, preventing delays for the entire queue.

• Continuous work during envelope signing: Polling operations must continue alongside the signing of envelopes without halting the voting flow.

• External envelopes for eligible voters: Details on envelopes may be handwritten. Polling committee members who have worked at the same station for at least six consecutive hours may vote without a physical appointment letter or sticker.

• Guaranteeing the right to vote despite queues: At polling stations closing at 10:00 PM, any voter arriving by that time will be allowed to cast a ballot, even if the process is delayed due to lines.

The commission also dedicated special attention to voters with disabilities, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for delays. Under the clarified procedures, it is strictly forbidden to delay voters with disabilities, and they must be granted immediate priority without any delay. Furthermore, the committee emphasized that, in accordance with the law, individuals with disabilities have the full right to enter the voting room accompanied by a person of their choice to ensure accessibility and necessary assistance.