KUALA LUMPUR – Civil society group Undi18 today called for more youth leaders to be fielded in the upcoming Johor election as this will be the first time that those below 21 years old can cast their ballots.
In a statement, the group said the state election marks the first one in which those aged between 18 and 20 will be eligible to vote under the Election Commission’s latest electoral roll gazetted on January 14.
It said Johor is expected to see almost 750,000 new voters, with 175,000 new voters aged below 21 years old, or a 30% increase in the overall number of voters in the state as compared to the previous election in 2018.
With this in mind, Undi18 called on all Johorean youth aged 18 and above to exercise their democratic right to vote in the state polls, saying it is a “historical” moment for the country.
“Political parties should put forward youth candidates in the upcoming election to be involved in the policymaking processes so that they can be involved in the discussion and development of state policy.
“This is in light of the fact that the youth will be the highest percentage voter demographic in the coming elections.”
On Saturday, Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar assented to dissolve the state assembly.
As announced via a post on the ruler’s official Facebook page, the dissolution came after an audience with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad at Istana Bukit Serene.
The death of Bersatu’s Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian on December 21 had left the Perikatan Nasional-led state government with a razor-thin majority of only one seat, with 28 held against Pakatan Harapan’s 27.
Undi18 said with Automatic Voter Registration (AVR), eligible voters are not required to register themselves but should check their registration status and their registered constituency on the EC’s electoral roll via the commission’s portal.
Undi18 said it will also be launching the #UndiJohor initiative as a platform to promote youth participation in accordance with the country’s “vibrant” democratic tradition.
“Undi18 will be the new dynamic within our nation’s democratic system due to the increased participation, and most importantly, will be the crucial litmus test for youth sentiment in the upcoming general election.” – The Vibes, January 24, 2022
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