ELECTION SPECIAL
Voters advised not to wait to cast ballots as rainfall expected today
THE Election Commission (EC) is expected to announce the overall results for 14th General Election (GE14) before 10pm. Its chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah, said the commission would make the announcement once it got the results.
“If we get the results early, we will announce it early. We hope we can make the announcement before 10pm,” he said via Whatsapp.
In a statement, Hashim said 14,449,200 voters would cast their ballots today at 8,253 polling centres through 28,115 voting channels, starting at 8am.
He said while most polling centres would be closed at 5pm, some would be closed at different times depending on the location.
“Since rainfall is expected tomorrow (today), voters are advised to plan their time to go out to vote and not wait to cast their ballots last minute. For those who live in locations where the polling centres will close early, they are reminded to vote early.
“For those living at locations where the polling centres close at 5pm, they are advised to go out in stages to avoid congestion at the polling centres.”
Hashim also advised voters to check their polling details through MySPR
Semak, at its website pengundi.spr.gov.my, portal, by calling 0388927018 or through short messaging system (SMS) by typing SPR, followed by the identity card number and sending it to 15888.
“Political parties are not allowed to set up or operate an office or station under the pretext of helping voters to check their polling information.
“EC also seeks cooperation from voters to not give their identification card to strangers as this can be misused by irresponsible parties and can cause problems on polling day.”
He said voters would have their fingers checked to ensure that they had no ink marks or any materials that could prevent the ink from sticking to their fingers.
“After inspection, voters will dip their index fingers into the ink bottle. If the voter refuses to mark his finger with ink, then he will not be given the ballot paper. Voters are advised not to be deceived by certain quarters who tell them to mark their finger with ink before voting,” he said.
EC reminded employers to allow their staff who have registered as voters to cast their ballots. Under Section 25(3) of the Act, any employer who refused to allow their workers to go to vote on polling day is liable to a fine of up to RM5,000 or jail term of one year upon conviction.
Hashim said no campaigning activities were allowed on polling day, which was an offence under Election Offence Act 1954.
“During the voting period, election agents will be allowed to be in the voting channels to observe the voting process, and they are reminded not to wear any outfit that bears the symbol or picture of candidates referring to a political party.
“Voters are also not allowed to wear any attire showing the party’s symbol, pictures or candidate’s name when entering the polling station.”
Hashim said the tabulation process would be conducted after the end of the voting session according to the stipulated time at the polling stations, not at the official tabulation centre.
During the counting process, agents will be there to witness the process.
“Everyone, including candidates, supporters, party personnel and voters, are advised to comply with the law, rules, ethics and directive set by EC and the police to ensure a smooth, peace and harmonious GE14 process.”