The National Election Committee (NEC) has chosen to use the indelible ink produced by Indian firm Mysore Paints & Varnish for the forthcoming July 23 general election. The ink has cost the committee nearly one million US dollars.
“We purchased this indelible ink from the company for the general election at a total cost of $963,310. A single bottle of ink came to $17.63, accounting for $916,760. Transport and insurance costs amounted to $46,550,” said NEC chairman Prach Chan.
A meeting was convened on July 6 with concerned parties to discuss the chosen ink and to assess its quality.
“There is no difference from the previous election. We are still using the indelible ink from Mysore Paints & Varnish. This company specialises in the manufacture of this type of indelible ink and has been supplying it to the NEC for every election. The ink assures both quality and the safety of the electorate,” he added.
He elaborated that over 30 countries worldwide, including India, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan have utilised this ink in their elections.
“The officials of the NEC general secretariat have tested four samples of the ink. We found this indelible ink to be of high quality. It adheres well to fingers, dries quickly and cannot be instantly removed. Its quality is on par with the ink used in previous elections and it ensures the health of the electorate,” assured Chan.
After conducting tests in February this year, the NEC opted to purchase an additional supply from Mysore Paints & Varnish.
“This indelible ink has a shelf life of six months from its production date, meaning it will expire in November, 2023,” Chan explained.
During the event, NEC secretary-general Tep Nytha stated that there were no plans to produce this ink within Cambodia.
“NEC has been using this effective ink since 1998. At that time, the UNDP helped us purchase it from India, or rather, from the same company. Our usage has proven successful,” he said.
He further mentioned that the government had procured the ink independently, apart from in 2003 and 2013 when the Indian government had gifted the ink to Cambodia for elections.
Un Visethkun, the head of the Democracy Power Party, gave his endorsement after the ink test.
“I emphasised that I just now dipped my index finger into an ink bottle and observed that it was of good quality. It cannot be replaced, and it had turned black. Therefore, I support all these measures and I asked the NEC to use this ink for the general election,” he said.
