EC to decide on GE15 date tomorrow as cards stacked in BN's favour

 

The Election Commission (EC) will meet tomorrow to decide on the dates for nomination and polling for the 15th general election, which Umno-BN is hoping would allow them to enter Putrajaya through the “front door” after being a part of two “backdoor” administrations.

The election is expected to be held early next month and certain quarters are speculating that polling will be held on a weekday.

This will be a shot in the arm for Umno-BN, which is banking on a poor turnout of pro-opposition voters, who have been left disillusioned following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

Within a short span of 22 months, this group of voters' dream for a new nation turned into a nightmare due to infighting and defections.

Compounding this, if polling does not fall on a weekend, it could also discourage people from returning to their hometowns to cast their ballots, especially amid torrential downpours and flooding.

During the 2018 general election, polling was also held on a weekday but it only motivated voters to come out in full force to show Umno-BN and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak the exit.

Harapan and those aligned to the coalition have been working hard to revive the spirit of 2018, but much to Umno-BN’s delight, there are no visible signs of a major resurrection.

However, the situation could change in the next few weeks.

On the other hand, Umno will have to battle Perikatan Nasional’s Bersatu and PAS, as well as Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Gerakan Tanah Air, PKR and Amanah for the Malay-Muslim votes that it seeks to ride on to the seat of power.

Former Umno deputy president Musa Hitam

Former Umno deputy president Musa Hitam expressed concern that Umno might not be able to form the government after having strayed from its original spirit of nationalism to materialism – with its leaders putting their interests above the people’s.

GE15 will also be notable for being the first where only three states - Perak, Pahang, and Perlis - will hold state-level elections.

Harapan and PAS have resolved not to hold early elections in the states under their control, while Johor, Malacca and Sabah have held snap polls. - Mkini