The General Election Commissioner Dr. Kostas Constantinou, in the context of his statement on the resumption of voting at 1 p.m., answered questions from journalists.
Asked by a reporter if anything noteworthy has happened, he said that the process is running smoothly, adding that the weather conditions have improved, which seems to make it easier for voters to get to the polling stations.
He informed that he has visited a large number of polling stations in Nicosia and that he has a personal view of what is happening.
"Everything is running smoothly and I think that the rest of the electoral process will also run smoothly so that at 6 p.m. the polls will close, we will have the results and we will be able to inform the public and the candidates about the verdict of the people as soon as possible," the Inspector General continued.
Asked if he is satisfied with the increased voter turnout, the Chief Electoral Officer replied in the affirmative, adding that his satisfaction also has to do with the fact that "the electoral process is running smoothly and that the weather has improved and therefore our ability to cope better." "Any minor problems are being resolved and the Electoral staffs are working in that direction," Dr. Constantinou added.
In response to another question related to a reporter's update in relation to reports that two ballot papers with pre-filled selection points were given to a polling station in Kyperounda, Dr. Constantinou noted that he has contacted the Supervisor of Elections and it does not appear that such a complaint was made. "I understand that if anyone comes out of the polling station and invokes anything, it should not be recycled and thus create an impression on the electorate."
He further informed that "even if a voter enters the polling station and changes his/her mind or makes a mistake, he/she has the right to come out and ask the presiding officer to replace the ballot paper. Therefore, even in this case there are clear instructions so that the ballot paper that the voter casts in the ballot box includes his or her own verdict."
According to the Auditor General, there have not been any complaints about messages from staffs or parties.
He also noted that he has instructed the Press and Information Office to monitor the Social Media if the provisions of the law are being complied with. "So far there is no indication that anything is happening, at least to such an extent as to cause concern," he said."
In response to a reporter's submission that parties and candidates have complied with the law and the guidelines, the Chief Electoral Officer said that "where we observe some deviations, recommendations are immediately made."
"We have been in close communication with the representatives of the candidates. We have very good cooperation, and where there are problems, the staff of the Auditor General communicates so that within the framework of cooperation any problems or misinterpretations, in terms of the provisions of the legislation, are explained and the problems are immediately resolved," the Auditor General said.
Finally, in response to a question as to whether there were reports of photographing ballot papers, he replied by referring to his previous statements, noting that the instructions given to the presiding officers were clear.
"The use of a mobile phone inside the polling station is prohibited and obviously the photographing of a ballot paper is also prohibited. This is a criminal offence. Therefore, where and when this is noticed the presiding officer takes immediate action and at the same time the on-duty police officer at the polling station takes care of the matter," the Inspector General concluded.
(EFF/EP/EXP)
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