I think a large segment of the electorate knows the problems of electoral abuse. At least since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian voters had become more interested in investing in a level playing field.

Since 1999, the BN government has passed amendments to the electoral laws, including redelineation of constituencies. These were perceived, and perception is very important, as ensuring the continuation of the present regime.

Calls to clean the rolls, ceilings to party expenses etc were not deemed fit by the Election Commission to be part of electoral law changes.

The question of phantom voters to mean registered voters but who are living elsewhere but bused in strategically adds to the dilemma of a level-playing field for opposition parties who have less resources. This is not illegal according to BN and the Election Commission. Shouldn't it? It is very hard to rely to the judiciary to make the democratic interpretations. Its record on election decisions have been pretty bad.

It is important for the clean electorate to learn about monitoring of election processes and of the Election Commission. Election watchdog Mafrel is not adequate. The fact that the prime minister has refused calls by civil society organisations for a royal commission after the last general elections in 2004 speak volumes.

I hope civil society groups would see fit to prioritise election education in their forthcoming agendas before the next general election.