EC to draft new SOP for Batu Sapi by-election, calls for 'virtual' campaigning
Batu Sapi by-election candidates were encouraged to conduct their campaigns via social media instead of using traditional methods such as ceramah, gatherings and house-to-house visits.
Election Commission (EC) chief Abdul Ghani Salleh said this at a press conference today, adding that the EC was drafting a new standard operating procedure for the Dec 5 Batu Sapi by-election...
Batu Sapi by-election candidates were encouraged to conduct their campaigns via social media instead of using traditional methods such as ceramah, gatherings and house-to-house visits.
Election Commission (EC) chief Abdul Ghani Salleh said this at a press conference today, adding that the EC was drafting a new standard operating procedure for the Dec 5 Batu Sapi by-election.
"We encourage (them) not to conduct their campaign openly. Many of these campaigns can be conducted via social media.
"We encourage the candidate or the party only to open one main operation centre while the other smaller operation centre or gathering venue are not allowed," he said.
"The organisation of ceramah for the purpose of campaigning are not allowed during the campaign. The house-to-house visit and walkabouts are also prohibited.
"This is one of the recommendations from us to minimise the effects of the current pandemic," Abdul Ghani added.
The EC is drafting new election SOP after it found that Covid-19 infections were being spread during the Sabah state polls as a result of the open gatherings and ceramah.
"Traditionally, we are used to the gatherings, house-to-house campaigns, which in our mind, social distance is hard to adhere to. This is among the reasons why the virus was spreading.
"So, EC is proposing for virtual campaigning via handphones and social media. So, there is no more eye-to-eye contact," Abdul Ghani said.
The EC chief believed that internet penetration in Batu Sapi is good enough for the candidates' message to reach voters.
"I was made to understand that the internet system in Sandakan is good and there was no line issue. This was based on our experience from the previous polls," he said.
The Dec 5 by-election is called following the demise of previous Batu Sapi MP Liew Vui Keong on Oct 2.
To a question, Abdul Ghani did not dismiss the possibility of EC recommending the Batu Sapi polls to be postponed if Covid-19 pandemic worsens in Batu Sapi.
Under the Federal Constitution, a by-election needs to be held within 60 days after the seat is vacated. However, the polls could be postponed if an emergency is declared by the government.
