INTERVIEW | Does the re-delineation of the electoral boundaries really give Barisan Nasional an edge over the Opposition in the coming 14th general election (GE14)?

This was one of several questions answered by Election Commission (EC) chairperson Mohd Hashim Abdullah in an interview with Bernama ahead of the impending GE14.

The following is an excerpt from the interview:

Bernama: On the redelineation of electoral boundaries, in Tan Sri's view, will the re-delineation be able to be implemented in GE14?

Mohd Hashim: The study into the re-delineation of electoral boundaries in Peninsular Malaysia has been delayed by almost a year, after being challenged in court. A total of 15 cases have been filed by certain parties to prevent the EC from executing the matter. Thank God, the court has made its decision, and so far the EC has managed to resume the process.

The coming general election (GE14) and the study on re-delineation are two different things. GE14 will be held even though the redelineation exercise is not completed.

The question of whether it can be used in GE14 is not determined by the EC. The EC is responsible for preparing recommendations on re-delineation of constituencies, and after submitting the final report to the prime minister, it is up to the prime minister to bring it to the Parliament to be debated for approval. It is the discretion of the prime minister to table it in the Parliament, and not under the purview of the EC.

If the recommendation is approved with a simple majority, meaning it receives the votes of more than half of the representatives in the Parliament, and is approved and signed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it will be gazetted for enforcement, and can be used in GE14. On the other hand, if the Parliament is dissolved before the re-delineation proposal is approved, the old delineation used in GE13 will be adopted.

Bernama: What is Tan Sri's view on claims that the redelineation exercise is being done to help the BN win?

Mohd Hashim: The allegations are untrue. They are merely political propaganda. The EC undertakes re-delineation activities for the benefit of the people and voters, and not for the benefit of any political party. All matters undertaken by the EC are based on the Federal Constitution and the law. The proof is that more than 15 cases filed in court to challenge the redelineation of electoral boundaries conducted by the EC have been rejected, and the decisions were made in favour of the EC.

The EC has provided its recommendation and displayed it, and every eligible party has the right to protest, and the protest is heard in local investigative sessions held. The EC will take into account any relevant proposal for change in its recommendation.

The victory of a candidate or any party is not determined by the delineation, but by the voters. When we do a redelineation study, it takes into account several principles, including to facilitate voters and elected representatives. When the EC won its case in court, there were parties which urged all voters to vote in the forthcoming GE14 to reduce the effect of 'gerrymandering'.

This clearly shows that the power of voters is the absolute determinant of a candidate's victory, rather than delineation. Voters have the absolute power to choose, based on their evaluation of candidates, parties and also their confidence-level in candidates who will represent them. A re-delineation only seeks to determine the electoral boundaries and ensure the convenience of voters and elected representatives, not to ensure victory or defeat of any party.

If indeed, the claims were true that the EC sides with BN, and can determine the coalition’s victory, for sure the outcomes in GE12 and GE13 would not have taken place, whereby Selangor, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Kedah went into the hands of other parties. If the EC had helped BN, the coalition would have been able to control 100 per cent of the Parliament or the respective state assemblies. But that did not happen because the EC is an independent and impartial body that conducts elections in a transparent and fair manner.

The EC is always professional and will not act in favour of any party in the process of democracy.

Bernama: In GE13, various fake news were spread through social media, such as the 'blackout' at vote counting centres and so on. In the GE this time, what measures will be taken by the EC to handle such claims?

Mohd Hashim: Every time during the GE, the same issues will be recycled by certain parties with the aim of raising doubts and uncertainties among the people against the EC and the electoral system. The 'blackout' issue has been proven to be slander, and it was found to be an image edited by certain parties to undermine the credibility of the EC. But still, many people believe the lies as they do not receive accurate information.

Similarly, the allegation that 40,000 Bangladeshis voted in the elections (GE13). The issue just disappeared after GE13, and no petition was submitted to prove it. In fact, no police report has been lodged nor any evidence presented. In the history of elections in the country, this issue has never been brought up in any election petition. The fact is that the accusation has never been proven by any party, whether in court or outside.

Wild propaganda of certain parties

Even before GE14, some parties claim that it will be the 'dirtiest' general election. GE12 was previously also (claimed to be) the ‘dirtiest’, but they (Opposition) managed to rule in Selangor, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perak. GE13 was also claimed to be the ‘dirtiest’, but they still retained Penang, Selangor and Kelantan and denied (the ruling government) the two-thirds majority in several states. This time, (the coming) GE14 is also claimed to be the ‘dirtiest’. In fact, this is wild propaganda by certain parties to create a negative perception among the people, to distrust the electoral system and the EC.

This time, the EC is prepared to repel all these claims with facts, and use more effective approaches, including the social media. The EC has also conducted briefing sessions for various target groups and they now understand that they had been deceived by certain parties.

In GE14, the EC will also work with the relevant authorities to handle fake news, including reporting it to the Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police to take action against those distributing them.

Bernama: The GE this time is said to be "mother of all elections". Are there new elements or improvements in the handling of the elections?

Mohd Hashim: In GE14, no new rules have been introduced, but there is a little difference in the method of using the election ink. In GE13, the method was to put the ink on the finger of the voters, but in GE14 the finger will have to be dipped into the ink. This method has been used in every by-election after GE13 as well as during the 11th Sarawak State Election.

Another new addition in GE14 will be the expansion in postal voter categories, where nine new types of voters will be allowed to use the facility. They comprise security personnel as well as members of the health and public service sectors serving in critical fields.

Bernama: What is Tan Sri's advice as chairperson of the EC to political parties that will contest in the GE14, considering the current fierce political landscape?

Mohd Hashim: To all potential candidates from political parties or independent candidates who will compete in the coming GE14, I hope they can comply with all the rules and laws set. I also expect all political parties and candidates who will contest to appoint their representatives as agents to observe the polling and vote counting processes during the election.

When it comes to the election, keep the campaigns clean, and avoid defamatory and seditious campaigns that can create a tense atmosphere.

Bernama: Tan Sri's hope from all parties, especially voters and leaders of political parties?

Mohd Hashim: To the people, please verify all information received on social media as most of it is untrue, fake and have specific purposes to cause unrest among the public and voters.

To registered voters, they are advised to regularly check the electoral roll to know where their voting station will be in GE14, to avoid confusion in the last minute. If there is an error (in the electoral roll), immediately inform or make a complaint to the EC for correction.

To the voters, you are urged to vote in the GE14. Do not waste your voting right and vote wisely. Do not waste your right as a citizen. Use your voting right to determine the leadership and ruling government. Don't spoil your votes just because you're upset about something or with someone.

To all political party leaders, I urge them to maintain the atmosphere of harmony and public order at all times, especially during the election. This is because each of their actions will guide and influence their members and supporters. They are also reminded to always adhere to the rule of law during the election to avoid doing things that could jeopardise their chances of contesting in the elections. They are also expected to be together (with the EC) in sending out the message to voters to encourage them to come out and vote, and not waste it.

- Bernama