Ec Moots Online Election Nomination More Flexible Time Frame

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The Election Commission (EC) is reviewing the proposal not to limit the nomination for any election to one day only and for the process to be implemented online
EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun (above) said the proposal, however, would take time to be realised as it would involve amendments to existing electoral laws and regulations
"We want to do that but the problem is that the current legal framework for nomination is only one day and one hour from 9am to 10am, then the announcement is expected at 11am
"The nomination cannot be carried out via online because under the existing legal framework the candidate or proposer or seconder must bring a hard copy of the nomination form
"Therefore, we are reviewing the proposal and taking some time as we have to amend these laws and regulations," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama at his office recently. The proposal to extend the nomination day and timeframe of submitting the nomination forms was voiced by various parties following the Covid-19 outbreak, which saw Malaysia moving towards a new normal in facing the impact of the virus infection
Azhar said that in several by-elections before, the EC had allowed candidates to obtain the nomination form in advance to facilitate the process
"We encourage candidates to go to the state election office to fill out the forms and pay the deposit in advance and check the forms to ensure everything is correct
"So, on nomination day it would be just for formality, the candidate would just come and submit the form to the returning officer for checking and the candidate would then be declared eligible for contest,” he said
The Chini state by-election in Pahang will be the first to be held when the country is facing the Covid-19 pandemic. The EC has set the nomination on June 20, with early voting on June 30 and polling on July 4
The by-election is being called after the incumbent, Abu Bakar Harun, died of a heart attack at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on May 6
- Bernama

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