COMMENT | The GE14 is too close a call for both contending parties. What is needed is for both to accept the people’s choice of government. There are only two scenarios – either party wins decisively or we get a hung Parliament.

Whatever happens, there should be no wild street celebrations or violent protests. There should be a smooth and peaceful transition of the administration according to the law. More so, there should be no attempt at emergency rule.

Under the Federal Constitution, it is the Yang di- Pertuan Agong who invites whom he considers as having the popular support to become the next prime minister, without any undue intervention from any quarter. We are, after all, a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy at the same time.

Both the police and army must be on standby to keep the peace and not take sides as they are pledged to be loyal to King and country only. Likewise, the judiciary is expected to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

This is the stark reality. At the start of the campaign period a fortnight ago, political scientist Bridget Welsh made an astute observation: “Most analysts will tell you that BN will emphatically win the coming May 9 election. I am not most analysts (sic). While I agree with the dominant argument that BN goes into GE14 with significant structural advantages and the ruling coalition is a strong favourite to win, the campaign is fluid and riddled with uncertainties.”

We are at an unprecedented juncture of our electoral history. GE12 and GE13 pale in comparison as tipping points in a general election. GE14 offers all of us a choice. Despite all the allegations of electoral fraud and cheating, yes, GE14 is as good a choice as we can get...