'Identity theft': Bersih urges EC to probe polling clerks

 

Bersih wants the Election Commission, Home Ministry and National Registration Department to explain reports that voters were unable to cast their ballots during the six state elections last week because others had used their identity cards.

The electoral watchdog urged EC to conduct an internal probe at the polling centres where the errors have been reported against the election officials.

Bersih said the investigation should focus on the polling clerks (KP) 1 and 2 responsible for verifying the identity of voters by reviewing the electoral roll and faces on the identity cards.

“An investigation needs to be conducted if KP1 and 2 performed their duties based on the act and regulations set,” added its steering committee in a statement this evening.

During the Aug 12 election, Bersih said it discovered that three individuals could not vote because their identity cards were used for voting by others, which caused their names to be crossed out from the voting list.

The three voters were at SMK Seberang Marang, Terengganu, SK Kampung Raja Uda, Selangor, and SK Taman Mahsuri, Kedah.

Bersih also noted the police had stated that 94 reports were lodged on such incidents in the six states.

“This showed a significant increase compared to previous elections, such as last November’s general election, the Malacca, Sarawak, and Johor state elections,” it added.

The misuse of another person's identity card to vote in an election is an election offence under Section 3(1)(l) and Section 7 of the Election Offences Act, which is voting in an electoral division where one is not entitled to vote and an impersonation offence.

Similarly, Bersih said the Home Ministry, which oversees the NRD, must conduct a transparent investigation into the complaints as well.

“The misuse of identity cards and impersonation to vote in elections is a serious offence because this has denied real voters their right to vote, as well as affecting the integrity of the electoral roll and the conduct of the election itself.

“Bersih also urges the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform to investigate this matter at the parliamentary level.

“This includes measures to obtain reports on the conduct of elections by the EC, such as details of expenses, election issues, and voter registration issues,” it added. - Mkini