KUALA LUMPUR – Automatic voter registration and Undi18 can only be done after September 2022, said the Election Commission (EC).
Chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said the decision came about after reviewing constraints and issues that have affected EC’s initial plans and preparation.
He added that EC preparation has been largely affected by the movement control order.
EC will also prepare an interim report on automatic voter registration and Undi18 by September this year.
“It (the timeline) will be realised for the 15th general election in 2023.
“EC would like to clarify that preparations are ongoing, including in systems development, data review and coordination, engagement programmes with government agencies, political parties and non-governmental organisations, and other related preparations.
“However, EC would like to remain realistic as the country is still under (various) movement control orders put in place to curb Covid-19.”
Based on EC’s latest data, there are 5.6 million citizens aged 18 and above, of which 1.2 million are aged between 18 and 20. Some 4.4 million are aged 21 and above, who are eligible to vote but have yet to register as voters.
EC is urging Malaysians aged 21 and above who have not registered as voters to do so via its website or by visiting their nearest EC or post office.
The commission will be launching an automatic pre-registration review system on its website in August to enable a potential 5.6 million voters to review and verify their information.
The minimum voting age was lowered to 18 from 21 previously after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 16, 2019, followed by approval by the Dewan Negara on July 25, 2019. – The Vibes, March 25, 2021
