EC: Vital to comply with rules

We will work to ensure all personnel abide by election laws, says Azhar

PETALING JAYA: It is important for the Election Commission (EC) personnel to understand and comply with all election rules and regulations, says EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun.

This is in light of the decision by the Special Election Court to nullify the results for the Rantau state assembly seat in Negri Sembilan.

He said the EC took a serious view of the violation of election laws and regulations, as noted in the decision by the court.

“To fulfil its responsibility towards all election personnel, the EC will work to ensure that its personnel understand and comply with all the requirements under election laws and regulations,” Azhar said in a statement here yesterday.

Last Friday, the Special Election Court in Seremban declared Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s victory in the Rantau state seat during GE14 null and void and a by-election for the seat should be held.

Mohamad won the seat unopposed in GE14 after PKR candidate Dr S. Streram was not allowed into the nomination centre because he did not have a pass issued by the EC.

Azhar said the EC would conduct a study to find out whether there were any weaknesses in the training of election personnel.

He added action would be taken to improve the quality of training in future elections if necessary.

“The EC will also study provisions in election laws and regulations to improve clarity in order to prevent any mistakes when interpreting any of the provisions,” he said.

Azhar said the Special Election Court had yet to issue its grounds of judgment for the case.

As such, the EC will issue further statements if needed once the grounds of judgment has been issued.

“This initial statement is made without prejudice towards the rights of the EC to appeal to the Federal Court if there is a need,” he added.