KUCHING: 32 complaints were received by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Election or Bersih during the previous 14th General Election (GE14).
According to Bersih (Sarawak) Vice Chairperson, Ann Teo, Bersih Sarawak had focused on the Stampin parliamentary constituency but they also received complaints from other constituencies throughout the state.
“Based on our observation, we found that there are lots of things that are against the Election Offences Act 1954 and a total of 33 complaints have been received by our observers.
“Most of the complaints involve issues such as early voting, registration problem, unnecessary influences from certain party, the usage of government properties for campaigning, vote buying, and also campaigning during the polling day,” Teo told a press conference held at the 3rd Mile here yesterday.
She also pointed out that of the 32 complaints, 22 were received from the Stampin parliamentary constituency.
“For this, we are questioning the Election Commission (EC) staff’s professionalism in performing their duties during the GE14.
According to Teo, Bersih Sarawak demands that the EC investigates those involved in committing the offences, which are against the Election Offences Act 1954.
“We also urge the federal government to set up a special commission to reform the country’s election system,” she said, adding that Bersih Sarawak could cooperate with the EC on the matter if needed.
