EC: We don’t side with any political party

SEREMBAN: The Election Commission (EC) has denied delaying the nomination day and polling date for the Rantau by-election.

It maintained that its decisions were not influenced by any political party or motive.

This came after Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan claimed that the EC had purposely delayed the by-election to stop Barisan’s winning streak following its victories at the Cameron Highlands and Semenyih polls.

EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun strongly denied Mohamad’s claim, which was made in a ceramah in Bandar Sri Sendayan on Sunday.

“EC strongly denies the claim. “As a constitutional institution, whereby its members were appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the EC has always carried out its duties and responsibilities professionally without siding with any party in any election.

“The EC received the certificate from the Federal Court Registry Office on the nullification of the Rantau state assembly seat on Feb 26, 2019.

“In line with Article LVI(5) on the formation of the Negri Sembilan government, the EC will fill the vacant seat within 60 days of the vacancy.

“The estimated 60-day period will end on April 26, 2019.

“To manage the course of the election, the EC will issue an election writ no less than four days and no more than 10 days from the vacancy date verified by the EC in line with Section 12 of the Election Act 1958,” Azhar said in a statement yesterday.