GE14 | The Election Commission's (EC) conduct so far has not been “clean, free or fair”, according to electoral watchdog Bersih's preliminary findings.
Bersih acting chairperson Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari listed 10 "serious crimes" by the EC and urged all voters to cast their ballots to overcome alleged attempts to compromise the integrity of the election process.
"EC has failed us and has not upheld the integrity of our elections.
“Although GE14 will not be clean, free, or fair, Bersih believes that you (voters) will play an important role in the upcoming election.
"It is now up to you. The electoral fraud and manipulation can only be overcome if all Malaysians turn up to vote as we did in 2008 and 2013," he told a press conference in Petaling Jaya this morning.
Among the listed "election crimes" included EC's failure to act against over 400 election offences such as bribery, vote buying and treating as well as gifting by contesting parties or individuals.
Other major concerns raised included the failure to clean up the electoral roll, failure to register eligible voters, making arbitrary and unreasonable election regulations and failure to allow meaningful election observation.
Elaborating on the EC's failure to allow for meaningful election observation, Bersih secretariat manager Mandeep Singh noted that the appointed bodies from 14 countries and 14 local organisations are only expected to start the process in these last few days before polling on May 9.
He said the general practice was independent election monitoring bodies would typically carry out their duties over several months leading up to the elections, rather than just in the last few day of the campaign period.
"We would like to tell all the monitoring groups, if you wish to come up with any reports or statements, please do not just listen to one party, that is the EC.
"Please be fair to the people of Malaysia," said Mandeep.
As a sign of protest and solidarity against the EC's actions, Bersih also urged all Malaysians to wear yellow, display a yellow ribbon and turn their social media profiles yellow on May 7 and May 8. - Mkini
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