EC: No ceramah, visits or gatherings during Chini polls

CHINI POLLS | The Election Commission will enforce new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Chini by-election which is being held during the ongoing Covid-19 recovery movement control order period.

EC chairperson Azizan Harun (photo, above) said four main aspects to be covered from nomination day to polling are adherence to social distancing guidelines, wearing of face masks, hand sanitising and recording temperatures.

"These SOPs will be strictly enforced at all stages of the by-election from officers briefing, nomination day, ballots printing and review, issuance of postal ballots, campaign period, polling day and vote tallying," he said in a statement.

Unlike previous elections, Azizan said the new procedures do not allow any processions or gatherings of supporters to be held on nomination and polling day.

"Only the candidate, a proposer and a seconder will be allowed to enter the nomination centre.

"This is to minimise the gathering of people and lower the risk of infection around the nomination centre.

"The same SOPs must also be followed by candidates on polling day," he added.

So far Umno has announced that the party would be announcing its candidate on June 18 while Harapan had confirmed it would stay out of the by-election.

While past campaign trails would feature public gatherings and house-to-house visits, Azhar said both methods are not allowed for the Chini by-elections, and candidates are urged to maximise their online presence via social media.

He said the EC through three dedicated teams would be monitoring all campaign activities to ensure compliance with the new SOP.

Polling day has been set on July 4 and Azizan said all voters are required to wear face masks, sanitise their hands and have their temperatures recorded.

Voters displaying symptoms or failing the temperature check would still be allowed to cast their ballot at a dedicated tent with a health officer, and they would immediately be taken away for further testing.

Azizan said the EC would also make another announcement on procedures for voters who are already tested positive for Covid-19 or is a person under surveillance under home quarantine.

The Chini seat fell vacant after the incumbent, Abu Bakar Harun, 60, from Barisan Nasional, died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital of a heart attack on May 6.

In the 14th General Election held in May 2018, Abu Bakar polled 10,027 votes to win the seat by a majority of 4,622 votes against PAS candidate Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim who obtained 5,405 votes and Mohamad Razali Ithnain of PKR (1,065 votes). - Mkini