‘Cast ballots on time, please’
Be punctual to prevent large crowd, Chini voters reminded
Voters in the Chini by-election tomorrow are advised to cast their ballots at the proposed times and not wait until the last minute, even though polling hours have been set for 8am until 5.30pm.
Deputy Election Commission chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said the EC had informed voters of the proposed polling time on the voter cards sent to them.
“The proposed times are to avoid voters from gathering in large numbers and to ensure social distancing at the polling centres.
“This is in line with the procedure to curb the spread of Covid-19 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), which is being enforced,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that voters who had received their voter cards or already had their polling information could go directly to the voting lanes without having to check at the EC stations.
“All voters and those involved with the Chini by-election are advised to abide by the laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 on polling day,” he said.
Azmi said 20,816 of the 20,972 voters were eligible to vote tomorrow, while 156 more had voted via post.
Voters who had not received their cards or polling information were urged to check early before polling day.
“Checks can be conducted through the voter register portal https://pengundi.spr.gov. my, MySPR Semak portal, EC hotline 03-8892 7018 or by sending an SMS to 15888 (type SPR SEMAK NO. KAD PENGENALAN).
“They are also urged to note down and keep the information pertaining to the polling centre, voting lane and voter number,” he said.
Azmi said voters were also reminded to bring their identity card and voter card or notes of voter information and show it to the first polling clerk (KP1) at the lane.
“The voter card and notes of polling information will help the KP1 check the voter’s name and facilitate the voting process.
“Voters are also advised not to give their identity cards to other people besides the election staff,” he added.
The Chini state seat by-election sees a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional’s Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, and two Independent candidates – Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, and Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49. — Bernama