With less than 24 hours to the Kajang by-election nomination day tomorrow, NGO Malaysians For Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) has urged the Election Commission (EC) to stop the use of indelible ink.

Chairperson of the election watchdog, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, said if the EC can’t guarantee that the 13th general election fiasco with the ink would not happen again, then it should not be used.

There were complaints then that the ink could be removed rather easily.

 

“Mafrel also wants EC to recognise its efforts to ensure free and fair elections and also recognise the observation of the election process is an integral part of a matured election process,” he said.

 

Mafrel will observe the N25 Kajang by-election to ensure that voters are able to exercise their rights, free from undue pressure or coercion.

 

Syed Ibrahim ( right ) said it will deploy between 25-30 volunteers to observe the 15 elections centres.

Besides this, they will be monitoring nomination day, the campaigning period and polling day.

 

It will be watching closely for corrupt practices, how people are treated, vote buying, abuse of public and government resources, violent incidents, level of security and presence of security forces.

 

“We invite volunteers to register themselves soonest possible by contacting Arphan Ahmad, 012-273 1016 or email arphanahmad@gmail.com ,” Syed Ibrahim said in a statement.

 

Mafrel also expressed concern that certain political parties have begun campaigning before the nomination day as this is in direct violation of the Election Act which prohibits any form of campaigning or publicity work carried out before nomination day.

 

He said the EC must uphold its good name and must be seen as independent and impartial.