Bersih: Malacca campaign restrictions a suppression of democracy
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih) has labelled the ban on physical gatherings and social events related to the upcoming Malacca snap polls as a “suppression of democracy”.
In a statement today, the steering committee said that the ban will grossly disadvantage political parties that are not part of the ruling government due to bias by state media.
“While the ban is on...
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih) has labelled the ban on physical gatherings and social events related to the upcoming Malacca snap polls as a “suppression of democracy”.
In a statement today, the steering committee said that the ban would grossly disadvantage political parties that are not part of the ruling government due to bias by state media.
“While the ban is on all political parties and candidates, we are concerned that it would grossly disadvantage those parties who are not part of the ruling government as state media tends to focus almost exclusively on the activities and achievements of ruling parties candidates and highlight failures of the opposition.
“This would render the playing field unfair and reduce the legitimacy of any outcome from the election,” they said.
Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that a ban will be implemented on all physical gatherings and social events related to the upcoming Malacca election from today (Oct 25) to Nov 27.
Citing a need to reduce the risk of new Covid-19 infections, Khairy said the ban includes functions to launch election machinery of the various parties.
He also said that the move was in line with restrictions under the latest National Recovery Plan (NRP) standard operating procedures (SOPs) for states in Phase 4.
Meanwhile, Bersih branded the ruling inconsistent with Phase 4 NRP guidelines, which allow for social activities and visitations, limited to 50 percent space capacity and physical distancing.
They urged the health minister to reconsider the total ban and instead implement stricter enforcement of SOPs outlined by the NRP by increasing the number of enforcement officers during the period of the Malacca polls.
Bersih also suggested alternatives to be considered and implemented by the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that the rights of parties and candidates are maintained throughout elections:
Nomination
Allow a minimum of seven days for candidates to file their nomination papers.
Display the list of successful nominees online to prevent gathering at nomination centres.
Campaign
All attendees to be seated at least 1m apart during political gatherings and ceramahs.
Maximum five people in a group during house visitations, and maintaining a 2m distance from the house occupants when speaking.
Equal time is allotted for each party to broadcast on government-owned TV and radio broadcast.
Discussion panels of candidates to discuss local issues and hear candidates’ views.
Organise debates between chief ministerial candidates and telecast them on state television channels.
EC to sponsor a designated billboard display in each state constituency displaying the details of contesting candidates.
Polling day
Extend polling day to three days, designating days and time slots for each category of people according to age groups.
Train election workers to keep themselves and voters safe from infection.
Set up health safety booths to test unvaccinated voters. Those tested positive should be allowed to cast their vote separated from the rest within the health booth.
Restrict gatherings at counting and tallying centres by broadcasting results live on national TV channels.
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