Gambians cast votes with marbles in key test for stability

Banjul, Dec. 4 (BNA): Gambians will vote on Saturday using a unique voting system, with marbles dropping into the polling drum of each candidate, in a battle-hardened presidential election that will test stability and democratic progress in the small West African nation.

Nearly 1 million people out of a population of 2.5 million are registered to vote in Africa’s smallest country. According to election officials, the turnout is expected to be high.

Mamadou A. said: Barry, a returning officer with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), said “the number of people registered is much greater than in previous elections.”

Barry said Gambians understood the process of using glass balls to vote. The system was introduced in the 1960s to avoid corrupt votes in a country with a high illiteracy rate.

“Every voter gets a piece of marble,” he said. “I think it’s transparent and fair.”

Results are expected by Sunday under the simple majority system.

NS