A supposed ballot paper showing the “VOTED” stamp next to one electoral candidate has been circulating online for several days. In response, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) states that the image is doctored and the ballot is fake. According to the electoral authority, these images are intended to mislead voters and erode trust in the electoral process.
“These actions are part of hostile campaigns designed to manipulate and divide society,” the CEC added in an official statement.
The CEC Clarifications
The Central Electoral Commission approves the official ballot format only after registering all electoral candidates. Today, August 19, marks the final day for submitting applications to run for deputy.
Authorities print the ballots exclusively under the conditions and deadlines set by electoral law, in a transparent process that includes observers, media representatives, and electoral competitors.
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“The Central Electoral Commission strongly condemns the spread of fake content, doctored images, and manipulation attempts. We urge citizens to rely solely on official sources for information. We also call on the media to act responsibly and avoid sharing unverified materials, especially those showing signs of digital forgery.
We warn that spreading manipulated content serves the interests of those who want to distort the electoral process—turning it into one driven by emotion and impulsive decisions, rather than the free expression of voters’ will,” the CEC stated.
Candidates may submit registration documents until August 19, and the official electoral campaign will begin on August 29.