‘Yes’ to advance voting, ‘maybe’ to cooling-off period

Several political parties and non-governmental organisations more or less agreed that the Election Commission (EC) should introduce advance voting, but some were more skeptical about the proposed two-day cooling off period.

Yunus Ali, president, National Institute for Electoral Integrity

Based on my experience of the Thai electoral process,Early voting is good, But the system must be open to all and they must register earlier (as advance voters). Malaysians who are working overseas should also have the right to vote in advance.If observers are present, then early voting is a more transparent process than postal voting. As for the cooling off period, I definitely agree because people have usually made up their minds already.

Let people vote in peace without being shouted at.

Wong Chin Huat, activist, Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih)

In principle, we should all welcome early voting, but I am unsure about the details. If the EC intends to extend postal voting, which is a questionable process, then this is bad because political parties can manipulate and intimidate voters on that list.

But if ordinary workers can apply in advance to cast their votes earlier, I think it is a fantastic idea. Bersih suggests that two more reforms should accompany the cooling off period: a minimum campaign period of 21 days for all parties, and free and fair media access to all parties.

If these reforms are not implemented, then the EC is just conspiring to distort the electoral process.

Sim Tze Tzin, Pantai Jerejak assemblyman

I welcome early voting because postal voting is notorious for abuse. However, the EC should plan it well and do it right. The EC’s reforms should be total.

They should use invisible ink, clean up phantom voters and start an e-registration system for young people.

I think that the cooling-off period won’t serve its purpose because text messages and instant messaging will make it pointless.

Liew Yuen Keong, Seri Kembangan assemblyman and MCA Youth deputy head

I think the advance voting system is a positive move to make it more convenient for voters to cast their vote. It will ensure that the voting percentage is higher.

It is also good for the voter not to be too emotional when it comes to casting their votes. However, the negative part is that people will not ‘feel the heat of voting.’

A one-day cooling off period should be enough so that voters can think wisely.

Tan Keng Liang, Kedah Gerakan Youth Chief

With an advance voting system, voters will not be able to change their minds should anything happen just before polling day. The EC should consider asking for a national holiday instead.

I think a one day cooling-off period for campaigning is good. But if they are interested in ensuring all Malaysians vote, they should consider automatic registration for Malaysians above 21 years old.

If people want to change the constituency registered in their MyKad, they can go to the National Registration Department to do so.

Ustaz Idris Ahmad, PAS Information Chief

If the advance voting system is different from the current postal voting system, there is no problem as long as there are election observers.

Currently, postal voting is subject to manipulation and lies. Pas agrees to the cooling-off period for campaigning if Umno also respects the ban on campaigning on radio and television.

All forms of media must be subjected to the ban.

Tags: Advance Voting, Cooling Off Period, NIEI, SPR