The Election Commission (EC) should ‘immediately conclude’ its negotiations with several NGOs invited to be election observers, to ensure there is sufficient time for preparation.

NONE Institute for Democratic and Economic Affairs CEO Wan Saiful Wan Jan ( right ) told Malaysiakini that there has been no news from the EC since its meeting with the NGOs about two months ago.

“They were saying that they will respond ‘as soon as possible’ but it seems that ‘as soon as possible’ means different things to different people,” he said when contacted.

The other groups involved are Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) and Merdeka Centre. They too have not heard from the EC.

Wan Saiful said the last meeting was to get the EC to agree to international standards on rules governing the conduct of election observers.

“We haven’t even finished negotiating yet. Until we complete the negotiations and both sides (election observers and the EC) agree on the terms of reference, we should consider that this entity (election observers) does not exist yet,” he said.

“There is no point waiting until the dissolution of Parliament to conclude negotiations. It has to be concluded now.”

azlan He said the group had proposed a “comprehensive plan” to monitor between 70 to 80 parliamentary constituencies and the state constituencies within their boundaries, with between 10 to 15 volunteers in each parliamentary constituency.

However, this would entail establishing a central headquarters, as well as recruiting and training the volunteers over several sessions.

In addition, the conduct of the government, the EC, and the media have to be monitored before and after the election is called. Above all, funds have to be raised for the work involved.

Wan Saiful pointed out that all the groups have work in hand, and would have to reallocate resources if their appointment as election observers is confirmed.

“Basically, the work (needs to) start now,” he reiterated.

TI-M president Paul Low said the meeting had also sought clarification on mechanisms of complaint and redress, since the observers are barred from speaking to the media.

Related stories

Migrants and church may end BN vote bank in Borneo

EC independent of PM's Department, says Nazri

EC: Foreigners not being registered as voters

Changes 'being finalised' to enable overseas voting

Election observers' demands still on EC radar

Nazri: Bersih leaders hauled up for breaking laws

Assault on journalist: Second lineup promised

Ambiga: Get the vote out to mitigate fraud

Unfair to compare Brown to Najib

Police are too busy campaigning for BN