EC SATISFIED WITH VOTER TURNOUT
Proactive measures like mobile units were effective, says EC chief
THE total voter turnout for the Port Dickson byelection here stood at 58.25 per cent. The figure was announced by Election Commission (EC) chairman Azhar Azizan Harun at the vote counting centre at the Port Dickson Municipal Council Hall.
The figure, however, was lower than EC’s targeted 70 per cent turnout.
Azhar, nevertheless, was satisfied with the figure as it was higher than the voter turnout at the Sungai Kandis, Balakong and Seri Setia by-elections.
“We (EC) took proactive measures to promote the Port Dickson by-election through social media and advertising. We also collaborated with the Information Department.
“We used mobile units to invite voters to come and vote,” he said.
The Port Dickson constituency has 75,770 registered voters, comprising 43 per cent Malays, Chinese (33 per cent), Indians (22 per cent) and other races (two per cent).
The Sungai Kandis by-election saw a 49.9 per cent turnout, Balakong (43 per cent) and Seri Setia (44 per cent).
Azhar earlier said EC had received a report that election rules and regulations were being violated, less than an hour after polls opened here yesterday.
He said EC had received a report that members of two political parties were canvassing votes in front of a voting centre at SK Teluk Kemang here.
“I don’t care which side they are on. (But) campaigning during polling day is strictly prohibited. (It) is against EC’s laws and regulations and action can be taken.
“I have instructed election authorities to direct the relevant parties to stop what they are doing and disperse,” he said after visiting the voting centre at SK Port Dickson here.
“The public can lodge reports if they see any violation. EC will take action,” Azhar said.