As voters, the public has no say over the choice of candidates to be nominated for the general election. But we do have the right to decide whether the candidate nominated for a particular constituency should be elected.

When I read that three of Keadilan's likely candidates were disqualified by the Election Commission, I immediately felt a sense of unfairness. If the disqualifications were due to their being undischarged bankrupts, then I think it is acceptable to the public. If political motivations are behind making them technically unacceptable as candidates, then it showcases how easy it is for the ruling party to fix any rising opposition leaders.

Lim Guan Eng is another good example. Though it is my wish that he can be pardoned in time for this election, I am very doubtful indeed. Marina Yusof was also being victimised politically in similar light. Now we see Mohd Ezam Nor and Azmin Ali being victimised.

The Election Commission may well claim that rules are rules. More cases of disqualification can be expected once nominations are finalised. We can only hope that the rules are being respected fairly and without fear or favour. The amended rules seem conducive to the buying over of opposition candidates after nomination day!

The only way for the voters to express their stand that the disqualifications were unjustified is through the ballot box. Now is the only time when we hold the trump card, otherwise the VIPs and VVIPs will not come back to us every five years.

For those who felt that some of the incumbents are too rich or have overstayed their welcome, this is the time to show them the way out, if the BN still wants to retain them. It can be fun to see our 'honourable' presidents of political parties announcing with a straight face that some of their incumbents have to make way for new blood!