EC: Let's make PD polls a model of a clean, fair election

PD POLLS | The Election Commission wants to make the Port Dickson by-election a model of a clean and fair election in line with its vision and goals to be an efficient, fair and trustworthy institution.

EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun advised all quarters involved in the by-election campaign to comply with all the rules, regulations and ethics during the 14-day campaign period to ensure a smooth, clean, ethical and fair by-election without undermining public order.

He also advised every candidate and the participating political parties not to undertake campaign activities that violate the election rules, such as hosting feasts and giving gifts to fish for votes.

“The use of government assets and facilities, government programmes and campaign activities of a racial nature and touching on religious sensitivities are not allowed,” he said in a statement today.

Contravening the rules can result in offences for which action can be taken under the Election Offences Act 1954, he added.

Azhar also called on all quarters, including political party supporters, to adhere to the rules and instructions issued from time to time by the EC, police and other authorities to ensure a peaceful and harmonious by-election.

“It is the responsibility of all candidates and contesting political parties to ensure that their campaign activities do not violate the laws and cause any confusion among the voters,” he said.

If anyone commits an offence, reports or complaints can be submitted to the authorities immediately for action to be taken, he said.

He said campaigning or appealing for votes is prohibited on polling day, even over social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Port Dickson by-election will see a seven-cornered contest between Anwar Ibrahim of Pakatan Harapan, Mohd Nazari Mokhtar of PAS, and five independent candidates, namely Anwar’s former political aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, Lau Seck Yan, Stevie Chang and Kan Chee Yuen.

- Bernama