GE15 date set, but still no flood SOPs from EC - Bersih

 

The 15th general election (GE15) date has been announced, but the Election Commission (EC) has yet to reveal the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to deal with floods, lamented Bersih.

In addition, the electoral watchdog said the campaigning period of 14 days is too short to enable contesting parties to meet their voters, especially given the increase in voters.

"The riddle about the polling date has finally been answered, and now is the time for the rakyat to assess which candidate and political party can lead the country into a better political situation.

"However, many questions remain unanswered by the EC regarding GE15," Bersih's steering committee said in a statement today.

For instance, the EC has yet to announce the SOPs that would be enforced if floods occur during early voting or polling day, it added.

"These SOPs should be announced as soon as possible as all quarters, especially political parties, candidates and the relevant agencies, can make preparations to face the floods.

"If sudden floods occur, what are the SOPs regarding continuing or postponing the voting process at the affected district, or the nationwide election, in the worst-case scenario?" Bersih said, citing recent floods in Langkawi, Kedah and Besut, Terengganu, which destroyed houses and affected thousands.

Bersih's statement is a reiteration of its previous stance, when it urged the EC and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to publish SOPs for voting amid the floods.

21-day campaign needed

Bersih expressed dissatisfaction that the EC only decided on 14 days of campaigning from Nov 5 to 18, instead of 21 days which the electoral reform group previously called for.

"Bersih is disappointed that the EC has not set the campaigning period to 21 days,m which would enable the contesting parties to go and meet the rakyat, especially given the fact that there has been an increase of six million voters, compared to the last general election.

"Aside from that, the 21-day campaigning period would also give overseas voters sufficient time to send back their ballots before polling day," the group said.

It further urged the EC to extend the closing date for postal votes for category 1B (overseas voters) by at least a week more from Oct 23.

"Since the EC has just announced the date of GE15, there are chances that some overseas voters are just in the midst of registering as postal voters.

"The EC has the responsibility to ensure every Malaysian who is eligible to vote is given the chance to do so in every election, especially in GE15," Bersih added.

The EC earlier today announced that polling day will take place on Nov 19 - 14 days after nomination day on Nov 5. Early voting will be on Nov 15.

- Mkini