EC TARGETS 70PC VOTER TURNOUT
11 new channels added to polling centres with large number of voters, says EC deputy chief
THE Election Commission (EC) is targeting 70 per cent of the voters to cast their ballots in the Rantau by-election on April 13. EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom, however, said the turnout percentage could rise as seen in the Semenyih by-election.
“Semenyih saw 73 per cent (voter turnout), maybe it could be even more, so it is a challenge to the people of Rantau. EC hopes voters would exercise their rights
and responsibilities,” he said after the nomination of candidates for the Rantau by-election here yesterday.
Azmi said several aspects of improvements had been implemented in earlier by-elections including adding 11 new channels to polling centres with large number of voters from 44 channels to 55 channels.
“There will be two channels for voters aged 60 and above with an additional 30-minute voting time with 8am to 5.30pm compared to 8am to 5pm earlier.”
Azmi said 541 disabled voters identified and registered with the Welfare Department would be voting at channel 1.
“EC will broadcast vote counting through live-streaming on Facebook by taking into consideration its suitability at one channel in a selected voting centre as exposure and awareness to the people on the process of vote counting in an election,” he said.
Azmi said the results of the byelection were expected to be announced before 10pm on polling day.
“Apart from that, EC has also selected 137 observers from 15 organisations comprising government agencies, non-governmental organisations, organisations and individuals eligible to monitor the election process for this by-election.
“For the purpose of monitoring campaign activities during the official campaign period, EC has set up four Election Campaign Enforcement Teams in line with the legal provisions under Section 27B of the Election Offences Act 1954.”
He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had opened an operations room for the Rantau by-election and would conduct observations in the field.
Seremban deputy police chief Superintendent Mohd Rosli Ishak said supporters both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional followed police orders yesterday.
“The process of candidate nomination was completed successfully. In terms of security, police had controlled the situation well.
“Even though there were shouting matches between supporters of both parties, police keptthe situation under control,” he said yesterday.