EC must wait 14 days before acting on Rantau re-election

The Election Commission must wait 14 days before it can act on the court ruling invalidating the Rantau state seat election.

EC chief Azhar Harun said this is because the court has withheld for 14 days the certificate ordering a re-election.

"We have to wait until that certificate is out before we can do anything. I presume it was withheld to give a chance to the parties to appeal the decision," Azhar told Malaysiakini when contacted.

The Election Court in Seremban today ruled the Rantau state seat in Negeri Sembilan vacant.

This is on the grounds that there was no written law or requirement for a candidate and his seconder or proposer to have passes to enter the nomination centre.

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan had retained the seat unopposed on May 9 after PKR's Dr S Streram was prevented by returning officers from entering the nomination centre.

The court has ruled the returning officer's actions as unethical.

Mohamad has said that he will discuss with his lawyers on the next course of action.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Mohamad will be fielded again to defend Rantau. - Mkini