Danville Walker, director of elections, shares a joke with Audrey Hinchcliffe, president of the Jamaica Employers' Federation, before the start of the organisation's annual general meeting, held yesterday at its Ruthven Road office in St. Andrew. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Director of Elections, Danville Walker, yesterday expressed confidence that bogus voting would be eliminated with the implementation of legislation making it an offence for a voter to intentionally display his ballot. Mr. Walker made the comment while addressing the annual general meeting of the Jamaica Employers' Federation.

The director of elections said he was pleased with the legislation, adding that Jamaicans should now be comfortable that voting is a private matter.

"This piece of legislation protects people from being bribed. Whatever is being offered, will they (those paying) get value for money?" Mr. Walker asked.

"This law is breaking that link," he added.

Nyam them out and vote them out

The Electoral Office of Jamaica boss said that the secrecy ballot law could enforce the concept of 'nyam them out and vote them out'.

He said the legislation should be particularly welcome in garrison constituencies where voters are mentally and physically forced to vote openly.

"It may seem trivial, but it is a serious issue," Mr. Walker said.

He had a note of caution for those who intend to vote in the August 27 general election.

"Even if you show your vote, the ballot will be destroyed and another issued with a warning," he said.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved an amendment to three election bills, paving the way for sanctions to be imposed on persons who display their ballots in an election.

Breaches of the law could attract a minimum fine of $20,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of five years.

At the same time, Mr. Walker said he was expecting a larger turnout at the polls than in 2002. Among the reasons he listed were that the reverification exercise was quite successful and that elections are becoming much safer.

"... As well that this is a competitive election," Mr. Walker said.