Former EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar says the new approach can be tested during by-elections to identify and address unforeseen problems.
Former EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the new approach should not be rushed, to ensure that the system is secure, transparent, effective and trusted by both political parties and the public.
He said the government and the EC should begin conducting studies and preparing the necessary IT infrastructure and logistical support if they intend to introduce the new voting method.
“The transition from a manual voting system to an online or electronic one must be carefully planned and implemented in phases.
“Start with by-elections as pilot projects so that unforeseen problems can be addressed,” he told FMT.
In an opinion piece, FMT columnist K Kathirgugan argued that the time had come to introduce online voting to make the process more convenient and reduce voting costs, particularly for voters living outside their registered constituencies.
He cited Estonia as an example, saying the country had practised online voting for more than two decades without proof that any election results had been manipulated.
Wan Ahmad also pointed to the experience of India, which took more than 10 years to transition from paper ballots to a nationwide electronic voting system.
“The electronic voting system used in India could serve as a good starting point.
“Voters only need to go through an identity verification process before casting their vote using an electronic voting machine.
“The votes are then counted automatically, and the machines are transported to tallying centres after voting ends,” he said.
He said the method could also reduce manpower requirements at polling centres and streamline the vote-counting process.
Meanwhile, Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said Malaysia was not yet ready to implement online voting, as the key issue remained public confidence in the system that would be used.
“It raises many questions, including the system’s effectiveness, oversight and transparency.
“The focus should first be on reforms that enhance the integrity and transparency of elections,” he said.
He said these reforms should include ensuring that electoral boundary delineation is carried out fairly, and amending the Election Offences Act to keep pace with current developments. - FMT
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