Set up mobile voting units at flood relief centres, consider postponing polling day

SHAH ALAM - The Election Commission (EC) should consider setting up mobile voting units at flood relief centres and even postponing polling day if flood victims are relocated to relief centres during the 15th General Election (GE15), elections watchdog, Bersih has said.

Bersih Chairperson Thomas Fann said the EC should be making preparation to ensure voting process was smooth.

“During an election, the EC should be the one providing assistance to enable voters to cast their votes.

“If flood victims are relocated to relief centres, EC should consider setting up mobile voting units within the centres or even postponing the polling day.

“Any relief efforts undertaken by the civil defence forces should not involve politicians as that can be seen as campaigning using state resources,” he told Sinar Daily on Friday.

He insisted that there should also be standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place in the event of floods during the election.

He said the EC has to work with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for alternative action in preparation for the voting day.

“The EC has to sit together with Nadma to come up with contingency plans for different scenarios that may take place on Nov 19.

“They have to ask the following questions such as the remedy measures to take, extension of polling hours, transportation assistance as well as postponement of election at affected constituencies and announce to the public their course of actions,” he said.

He also advised the people to vote and make sure they fulfil their responsibilities since the election is very important.

“People should not be deterred from voting even if it is raining on polling day. This election is too important to not do anything.

“But if their areas are flooded, they should listen to announcements on the TV or radio as to any plans that the EC or government is making,” he added.