ELD dismisses false claims about ‘disappearing ink’ on new X

SINGAPORE - The new X-stamp provided for Presidential Election 2023 has not been treated with disappearing ink, the Elections Department (ELD) said on Thursday, refuting claims circulating online.

The department said that the marks made using the X-stamp are permanent.

It also said the ink used is oil-based and resistant to water and temperature.

The ELD released a statement after it became aware of false information resurfacing online and on instant messaging platforms that the new X-stamp could be treated with disappearing ink.

“ELD would like to state categorically that this is not true. The marks made using the X-stamp are permanent,” said the statement.

The new improved X-stamp is being introduced this election for voters to mark their ballot. It is wider and more clearly intended to serve as a stamp.

The use of this stamp, while encouraged, is not compulsory. Voters can use their own pens.

Self-inking pens, or X-Pens, were introduced at the 2020 General Election. They were meant to serve as a stamp, but some voters had tried instead to write a cross with the X-Pen.

In 2020, the ELD also had to debunk false claims on Polling Day that the self-inking X-Pens provided at polling booths did not stamp properly, and would render many votes invalid.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

Spin the wheel now