A voter gets a finger inked at a polling station on May 8, 2019 during the legislative and presidential elections in South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG - At the heart of election day is a simple yet powerful symbol: the inked thumb.
This small mark, made with indelible ink, signifies much more than a vote, it represents the power and responsibility vested in every South African citizen.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has made a significant move to ensure the integrity of this symbol by seeking local manufacturers for indelible ink finger-marking pens.
With a silver nitrate concentration of 18-20%, these pens produce a mark that remains visible for at least four days, resisting removal by washing or rubbing.
This enduring stain is a guardian of democracy, preventing electoral fraud and ensuring every vote counts only once.
The IEC has set a high standard for these pens, requiring them to mark up to 1,000 fingers each without failure.
This attention to detail underscores the importance of every single vote. The ink’s formula is kept secret to prevent reproduction, ensuring the mark remains a trustworthy symbol of electoral integrity.
The ink dries within 30 seconds, is non-hazardous, and contains disinfectants to protect voters’ health—a modern touch to an age-old tradition.
Beyond its functional role, the inked thumb has become a social phenomenon.
Posting a picture of an inked thumb is a digital salute to democracy.
It’s a way for South Africans to connect, to celebrate their collective power, and to encourage others to participate.
As South Africans step into voting booths on 29 May and later share their inked thumbs with the world, they are not just marking a ballot—they are affirming their commitment to democracy and celebrating the power they hold to shape the country’s future.
By Gabrielle Matthew