The Election Commission (EC) will not entertain the opposition’s urging for a debate on the 13th general election although it is not afraid to do so.

Deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said there was no need for debate since those dissatisfied with the general election results could file petitions.

“We are not afraid to debate with anyone because we performed our task based on laws and regulations. Why should the EC give cheap publicity to them?

“If you are not dissatisfied with the election results, file petitions using the proper channel, not hold debates or street protests. The EC has all the proof but we have to respect the 21 day period,” he told Bernama recently.

Wan Ahmad said the debate would also be sub judice because both parties would touch on matters to be argued in the election petitions.

“The opposition wants to very show to their supporters they win the debate for cheap publicity. They debate in the streets whereas now is the time for election petitions. We have to respect the law.”

On another note, he said a youth from Kuantan who tried to undermine the election system by trying to vote twice had run foul of the Elections Act.

The youth committed two offences, attempt to vote twice and taking ballot papers out and liable for jail, fine and loss of right to vote for five years.

“I feel sorry for the youth who thought he was so brave and proud, not realising that he was being used by politicians.

“Even if he regretted the action, it is useless because he admitted it in a police report. This is the result of trying to cheat the election system.”

Wan Ahmad said police should investigate allegations by the youth as many things he said were ridiculous. How could he vote twice when his name was deleted and how did be take the ballot papers out in front of many people?

“This case is interesting and was he lying? The EC is keen to know the outcome of police investigation and will cooperate and give explanation.”

The EC would make a post mortem to detect flaws, make improvements and study technical matters such as the indelible ink which should be shaken every two hours.

“The indelible ink incident taught us a lesson. Our concern in keeping the ink safe in the police lockup and the colour secret to avoid sabotage made us forget to read carefully how to use it.

“We may also be provide more classrooms to overcome long queues during polling day,” he added.

- Bernama