EC faces big challenge in countering negative perceptions — Chairman

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Election Commission (EC) is going to be more cautious with certain quarters harbouring negative perceptions on the agency’s transparency and integrity in the next 14th general election (GE14).

EC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said in principle, the commission had been facing similar challenges in every general election — the only difference this time was external parties trying to influence political issues in the country.

“Our responsibility is to update the electoral roll and other matters related to the general election, the highlight of which is after the declaration on the dissolution of Parliament or the State Legislative Assembly.

“After receiving the declaration notice then only will we meet to determine nomination day, early voting date right until the results are announced without favouring any political party,” he said.

Mohd Hashim said thi s to reporters a fter meeting Terengganu young entrepreneurs here yesterday.

Commenting further, Mohd Hashim said seeing the EC going down to the ground more than usual lately, was also not an indication of GE14.

“Actually, the EC had been updating the electoral roll, but this was intensified since we established strategic alliances with various parties to go down to the ground to inform the public on the importance of exercising their rights to vote in GE14.

“There are allegations and accusations by irresponsible parties saying that such activities prove that the EC is all prepared for GE14 ... this is not true as we ourselves do not know when the general election is going to be held, we are just making preparations as it may happen any time,” he said.

“If the EC is not transparent and leaning towards a certain party ( Barisan National) how is it that certain states, mostly the rich states, are being ruled by people of other parties?” he asked. — Bernama