EC to enforce tight Covid-19 preventive measures for Slim by-election

SLIM POLLS | The Election Commission (EC) will apply and ensure strict enforcement of Covid-19 preventive guidelines during the Slim by-election.

EC secretary Ikmalrudin Ishak (above) said the guidelines will be enforced at all stages of the election process including the briefings for staff, nomination of candidates, printing and checking of ballot papers, issuance and counting of postal votes and checking ballot boxes.

This will be done throughout the campaign period, polling day, and official counting of votes.

Ikmalrudin said the key measures are compliance with social distancing, wearing masks, using hand sanitiser liquids, and body temperature checks.

On nomination day tomorrow, no candidate will be allowed to organise processions with supporters or hold group activities.

“Only the candidate, one proposer and one seconder will be allowed into the nomination centre,” he said in a statement today.

Ikmalrudin added throughout the campaign period, each candidate will be allowed to open up a committee room (party operations room) while abiding by the Covid-19 preventive measures.

During political talks, the number of attendees cannot exceed 250 at any one time and place, subject to the size of the venue and permit obtained from the police.

On visits to the homes of voters, the candidate or his representative will not be allowed any physical contact or to shake hands with occupants, and the candidates are encouraged to campaign using online mediums or social media.

EC will monitor all candidates' activities

“The EC will monitor all the candidates’ activities during the campaign period with the help of two election campaign enforcement teams, including compliance with the special guidelines,” he said.

Ikmalrudin added that on polling day, all voters are required to wear masks, go through body temperature checks, use hand sanitisers and observe social distancing.

"On polling day, hand sanitiser dispensers will be provided at all voting centres. The voters must use the hand sanitiser at four stations at the polling centres, namely at the entrance of the polling centre, the start of the polling lane, the lane after the process of dipping their fingers in ink before getting the voting papers, and before leaving the polling centre,” he said.

Ikmalrudin said voters who are at risk and do not clear the body temperature checks will still be allowed to vote in special tents which are monitored by health officers.

Persons under surveillance and persons under investigation have to apply for permission from the district health officer to go to the polling centres.

“At the official vote-counting centres, the candidates and supporters of the winner are allowed to be present in minimal numbers,” he added.

The Slim by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Mohd Khushairi Abdul Talib, 59, on July 15. The EC has set nomination day on Aug 15 while early voting is on Aug 25 and polling on Aug 29.

- Bernama