THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) refers to Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. In his speech, Maslan proposed that the government take a punitive measure against voters who do not turn up to vote by compounding them RM100 to RM200 for being irresponsible to the country.
Although the proposal is likely to be made with the intention to encourage all eligible citizens to vote in the elections, Bersih 2.0 is of the view that the method proposed by Maslan is not viable and inconsistent with the principle of freedom of choice by the people.
While the participation of the people is fundamental in the electoral process and is a sacred right, it is also their right not to vote in the elections.
Instead of punishing those who do not turn up to vote, it is more important for the government to focus on improving voting access to the people so that they can carry out their responsibilities as voters.
Punitive measures without providing good infrastructure, assistance and opportunities to the people will only erode voters’ trust in the democratic and electoral process, as they will vote only because they are compelled to and not because of their responsibility.
Therefore, the following reforms need to be implemented immediately to improve access to voting:
- Fixing of election dates;
- Improving infrastructure for people with disabilities to vote;
- Provide a voting period instead of a voting day;
- Expansion of absentee voting rights to those who reside outside of their constituency; and,
- More polling stations and polling streams to reduce long queues. Mobile voting centres may also be utilised, especially for rural voters.
If we want higher voter turnouts, a punitive approach is very inappropriate.
Instead, government should prepare to educate the people with voters’ education programmes focusing on the importance of voting, the voting process, and democratic principles.
Besides that, the enforcement of the law will be an issue to the authorities such as the Election Commission to penalise voters who do not turn up on polling day.
The electoral process requires the participation of the people, and the people are more likely to vote if the electoral system is clean and fair, with a level playing field provided to all competing parties.
The politicians should focus on restoring people’s trust in our political system and democracy by fixing systemic weaknesses and loopholes that allow mid-term changes of governments through party-hopping. They must give the people a reason to believe that it is still worthwhile coming out to vote in GE15. – The Vibes, October 1, 2021
The steering committee of electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0
