G Lavendran
A coalition of 25 NGOs have made a five-point demand, one urging all EC members to quit over alleged fraud and electoral irregularities in the GE
PETALING JAYA: A group of NGOs today made a five-point demand, including one urging all Election Commission members to step down over alleged electoral fraud in the recent polls.
Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM), comprising 25 NGOs, said they were disappointed over allegations of irregularities and have made the following demands:
- Immediate resignation of members of the EC;
- The EC be made independent and only accountable to Parliament;
- That an all-party committee be set up to clean the electoral roll and;
- Re-delineation of constituencies, fairly reflecting the “one person one vote” principle
- Urge a major reform of the electoral system and process to address various issues related to gerrymandering, and the incorporation of a proven manual of highly computerised systems to lend credibility to the process and protect it from all forms of fraud.
“The public has clearly lost its faith in the EC and the electoral roll. If they want to maintain their professionalism, they have to quit,” said Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) president Tan Yew Sing, which is also part of the coalition.
Tan stressed on their demand for an all-party committee be set up to clean up the electoral roll.
“We as NGOs are more than willing to help political parties from both sides to help clean up the electoral roll,” he said at a press conference at the KLSCAH.
Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT) and All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) are among other NGOs in the group.
Fair to call for resignations
Fair to call for resignations
IKRAM secretary general Zaid Kamaruddin said it was a norm for authorities in other countries to step down after allegations and claims of irregularities.
“Looking at all the allegations of fraud during the May 5 elections, I think it is a fair to ask EC members to step down since they have been responsible for the whole elections,” he said.
NIAT president Thasleem Ibrahim said that the EC has not been fulfilling its purpose since numerous issues were highlighted during the 2008 general election.
“What has the EC done to protect the electoral roll when even the courts have said there could be thousands of phantom voters leading to more electoral fraud? Nothing!” he said.
“Since they don’t know how to do their job which has led to many irregularities, EC members should admit their mistakes and step down with dignity,” he added.
