The Election Commission has clarified the criteria for a valid vote in the upcoming presidential election. According to the notice, a ballot will be rejected under the following conditions:

- If it is marked in a way that identifies the voter.
- If it does not contain any votes for candidates.
- If it includes marks for more than one candidate.
- If it only has second or third preference votes without a first preference.
- If it contains any marks beyond the designated preference spaces.

Voters can indicate their first preference for one candidate and optionally mark second and third preferences for others. However, marking only the first preference is also acceptable. To ensure their vote is counted, voters should mark their preferred candidate’s name and symbol clearly, and optionally list their second and third choices.