Recall polls must come with proper safeguards, cautions activist

 Engage chairman Thomas Fann says there must be specific and factual grounds, not political or subjective ones, for calling a recall election.

Recall elections were previously proposed by election watchdog Bersih following the Sheraton Move in 2020, but were not adopted due to concerns over complexity.

PETALING JAYA:

 Proper safeguards are needed to ensure recall elections are not misused, says electoral reform activist Thomas Fann.

While there has been support for a proposal to introduce recall elections by which voters may remove underperforming representatives, Fann said such a system is prone to misuse.

“The grounds for a recall election must be specific and factual, not political or subjective,” he told FMT, citing examples such as party dismissal, serious criminal convictions or chronic absenteeism.

Fann said the recall process must also be accessible to the public, adding that the Election Commission should play a key role in educating the public on how it works.

Clear thresholds and objective criteria are essential, including a minimum level of voter support to trigger a recall election and majority backing for removal.

He said technology such as secure e-voting systems could help streamline implementation while ensuring transparency and trust.

The proposal was raised on Mar 25 by Sim Kiang Chiok, the Stakan branch chairman of Sarawak United People’s Party, who said an election victory should not be a “blank cheque” for five years of unaccountability.

Voters should not have to wait for the next general election to act against non-performing representatives, he said.

Recall elections were previously proposed by election watchdog Bersih following the Sheraton Move in 2020, but were not adopted due to concerns over complexity.

The process typically involves several stages, from gathering initial signatures to securing broader support before a vote is called.

“If the recall succeeds, a by-election will be held to fill the vacancy,” Tindak chairman Danesh Prakash Chacko told FMT.

He noted that there is no standard model for such a process, saying its difficulty also helps prevent misuse or excessive use.

“Recalls are a complex process and politicians fear its abuse,” he added, noting that political will remains the main obstacle to implementation. Fann agreed, saying any recall election system would require bipartisan action and strong public demand.

Chacko said the recall process could be designed to complement anti-hopping laws, especially in complex cases such as coalition shifts. - FMT