KUALA LUMPUR – Allowing postal voting for all during elections held amid the Covid-19 pandemic will only open up room for abuse, said observers.
They suggested instead that the Election Commission (EC) extend voting hours and introduce remote voting to help reduce polling-day crowds.
According to the Elections Act 1958, the EC can, with the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, craft regulations relating to the conduct of elections and all incidental matters.
UCSI University’s Prof Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi told The Vibes that extending the voting time will ensure a better pace at polling centres.
He also proposed that voters be allowed inside the centres on an appointment basis, so as to prevent crowds from forming.
“Why can’t the EC allow polling from 8am to midnight instead? If we look at past elections, even when they closed the gates at 5pm, the centres would still be very much crowded.”
His statement follows Bersih 2.0 chairman Thomas Fann’s suggestion that constituents be allowed to cast their ballots through the post, considering the health risks of conducting elections in the midst of a health crisis.
Fann had said this should be the case for the December 5 Batu Sapi by-election, adding that postal voting was especially necessary seeing as to how Covid-19 cases surged following the September 26 Sabah polls.
Speculation of an impending snap general election, as well as the Sarawak polls, has led to deeper public concerns about the risks to health under the present circumstances.
Political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat, meanwhile, proposed that polling be extended over as long as two days, with voters divided into two groups, separated by age.
This is a better option to reduce crowds, said the chairman of civil society group Engage, adding that postal voting is vulnerable to fraud and post-election disputes.
He suggested that the EC consider introducing remote voting as a way to limit the need for people to travel to cast their ballots.
“Voters can cast their ballots for their constituencies at big polling centres in major towns. This can reduce unnecessary interstate and inter-district travel.
“Even if there are (Covid-19) clusters, they will be localised.”
He also urged the EC to make nomination a three-day event instead of the usual two hours, and for there to be the option to file nominations online.
The commission should organise televised debates between candidates, too, he said.
“The EC can extend the campaign period to three or four weeks so that information is properly disseminated and reaches more voters, in lieu of physical canvassing.”
The polls body has announced that ceramah, walkabouts and door-to-door visits are barred for the Batu Sapi by-election, with all campaign activity to be conducted online or via post. – The Vibes, October 18, 2020
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