EC: GE-13 more difficult to manage than past ballots

KUALA LUMPUR, -- The Election Commission (EC) expects a more challenging task in managing this coming 13th general election as the contest between the contesting parties is expected to be more intense than in previous elections.

Anticipating such a situation, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said, the commission would ensure all the election officers and workers understand and to enforce the election regulations to prevent any untoward incidents.

"We urge all parties to give their full cooperation to the EC. We cannot do it alone. We need their cooperation to ensure the contest between the parties goes smoothly," he told Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) after an interview by Klasik Nasional FM radio at Wisma Radio, Angkasapuri here, today.

On the names of voters in the electoral roll who are categorised as dubious voters, Abdul Aziz said, they could exercise their voting rights in the coming 13th general election if they are genuine voters.

"When they come to the polling centres, we will do the necessary checks before allowing them to vote.

"The EC will not deprive them of the rights, but it is the responsibility of the voters to check their status with the EC, either by going to its website or to telephone the office to resolve the problem earlier," he added.

In a statement yesterday, Abdul Aziz said that only 0.3 per cent of the 12.6 million voters are classified as dubious voters following checks on their records with the National Registration Department (NRD).

About 22,000 of them were classified as dubious voters when their identification cards prepared by the NRD were not collected for more than 20 years, he added.

On the 22 recommendations by the Parliament Select Committee on Electoral Reforms which would be discussed by the EC panel members tomorrow, Abdul Aziz said the EC would study them.

On facilities for persons with disabilities (OKU) to vote in the coming 13th general election, he said efforts would be more to ensure adequate facilities for them.

"We have discussed with the OKU association and will do the necessary to accommodate their needs.

"However, the proposal to have ballot papers in Braille cannot be done yet," he added.

-Bernama