PETALING JAYA, Oct 20 – Six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been appointed by the Election Commission (EC) as observers for 13th general election in Peninsular Malaysia.
The NGOs are Merdeka Centre, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas), Association for Human Rights (Proham), Transparency International, Centre for Public Policy (CPP) and Malaysian Youth Council (MYC).
EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the initiative, the first introduced by EC, is to give NGOs the opportunity to evaluate the transparency and regulations.
He said that EC is also in talks with several NGOs to be appointed as election observers in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We have discussed three times with the NGOs on the conditions of appointment and terms of reference,” he told reporters after a forum on free and fair elections organised by the National Institute for Electoral Integrity here today.
The selection of NGOs was made after EC was sure they are committed to fighting for democracy and are neutral, without favouring any political party.
Every NGO can only place three members in each parliamentary constituency as observers and asked to compile reports throughout the course of the election.
“Via the report, we will know what our weaknesses are and what need to be improved.”
EC would mobilise 230,000 staff during election and plans to amend the Election Regulations (Registration of Voters) 2002 after election.
Wan Ahmad said it is time for EC to re-examine the regulations to improve the registration of voters.
Meanwhile, Malaysians abroad can download form 1A on the EC website to apply for is postal voting next month.
“They are only applicable to Malaysians already registered as voters,” he added. – Bernama
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