In The Gambia’s 2006 presidential election, people cast their votes by dropping marbles into drums painted in the parties’ colors and adorned with the candidates’ photos. The voting system was designed to accommodate the many illiterate people in the country.
Officials listen for a voter’s marble to hit a bell in the drum, preventing multiple votes. If more than one “ping” sounds, more than one marble has been dropped.
Bicycles are banned on voting day because the sound of their bells might confuse voting authorities. Voters also dip their fingers in ink as proof of voting.
In the most recent election, incumbent Yahya Jammeh emerged victorious, though the opposition candidate claimed voter intimidation had occurred.
Presidential election in 2006
Turnout: 59 percent of eligible Gambians voted in the 2006 presidential election.
Photo: Clear marbles take the place of ballots in Gambia’s elections.
