Polling day is tomorrow, but 680,000 citizens will definitely not be voting. Many of these individuals are angry that their right to vote is being denied by the Elections Commission (EC).

These would-be voters have also complained about the media's lack of interest in their views. So far, there have been reports about only one from their ranks, Universiti Malaya lecturer Prof K.S. Jomo.

Jomo filed an application asking the High Court to declare that the general election cannot be lawfully held without the participation of the new voters who registered this year.

Yani Ismail, 26, a freelance writer, said that there is no concrete reason why the EC cannot complete the registration process in time to allow these new voters to participate in the election.

"It is really unfair that just because you are not registered for a year, you cannot vote", explained Yani.

"It doesn't make sense. I hope the EC will reconsider its decision. If not, I hope in future the EC will be run by more responsible and efficient people who are sensitive to people's democratic rights".

Though she will not be voting, Yani hoped that those who can, will not waste the opportunity to vote for "a more responsible government".

Kamal, 26, a tutor, also felt that the EC registration process should be made more efficient. This would allow all eligible citizens to vote as it is their fundamental right to do so, even if they register just a day before polling.

Similarly, Shanon Ong, 27, who works in human resources, regretted procrastinating on registering but insisted the EC should allow those who registered before the deadline to vote.

"I think the EC is totally inefficient, given the availability of new technologies which can be used to speed up the registration process. What happens to the 'Malaysia Boleh' rhetoric?"

She added, "If the EC had anticipated more voters, it should get its act together and hire more staff. The excuses given are unacceptable considering that in countries such as New Zealand, people can register to vote even on the polling day".

Likewise, Rizal, 25, a student, believed that the election results will not reflect the people's true aspirations, given that such a large number of voters will be deprived of a say.

He lamented, "The saddest thing is that many of those sidelined are the younger generation, the future leaders, whose voices will not be considered at all".

Rizal concludeed that the only thing he can do is convince some of his friends who can vote to choose the candidates and parties that he supported: "I would urge all voters to please teach Barisan Nasional a lesson by voting for the opposition at all costs".

Molly, 24, an accountant and a volunteer with an opposition party, is also taking a proactive stance.

"I feel very frustrated and although some of us have written complaint letters to the press, but they have not published. I am glad that Prof Jomo is doing something about it. On my part, I am volunteering my service to the party I believe in."