Bersih lodges four police reports against Harapan and BN
Election watchdog Bersih has filed four police reports against Pakatan Harapan and BN, said its executive director Yap Swee Seng...
Election watchdog Bersih has filed four police reports against Pakatan Harapan and BN, said its executive director Yap Swee Seng.
He said the reports concerned the setting up of "pondok panas" (campaign booths) at one polling station, canvassing for votes at four polling stations and party members as well as supporters loitering around polling stations.
According to him, Harapan and BN erected campaign booths at the Bandar Rinching polling station today.
"Under the Election Offences Act 1954, only the Election Commission can set up 'pondok panas'," he added.
Yap said Bersih observers also witnessed canvassing activities by the supporters of both coalitions at four polling stations, which is an offence under Section 26 of the Election Offences Act.
These were SMK Bandar Rinching, SK Rinching, SK Kantan Permai and Sekolah Rendah Agama Batu 3.
At Sekolah Agama Batu 3, Yap said a vehicle with a party logo was spotted ferrying supporters to the polling station to cast their ballots.
He also suspected that supporters of political parties were obtaining the identities of voters at the polling stations.
Yap said under the law, nobody should attempt to establish the identities of voters because the ballot is secret.
Bersih has also submitted video recordings and photographs of the alleged offences.
Meanwhile, Yap said the existing legislation is too general and fails to distinguish between major and minor election offences.
"So I think the EC and lawmakers should look into refining our election laws.
"The punishment should be proportionate to the offence and to the seriousness of the offence," he added.
He proposed that a fine be imposed on candidates canvassing for support on polling day as it would be too severe to disqualify them.
Malaysiakini has attempted to contact both BN and Harapan for comment.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.