Bersih 2.0 submits memorandum to urge EC to reform Malaysian election process

GEORGE TOWN: Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 today submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC) to urge for an upgrade and reform of the Malaysian election process.

Northern region deputy chairman Datuk Toh Kin Woon said there were weaknesses in the electoral process and alleged that existing laws were not enforced properly.

He called upon the EC to do what can be done to change and improve the process even though changes could take some time.

“Whatever can be done before the election, I think it should be done right away,” he said after submitting the memo to the EC office in Weld Quay here.

The submission of the memorandum was also conducted simultaneously in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Ipoh.

The demands by the NGO comprise reforming the Electoral List, a fair redelineation process, a free and fair EC, for a free and fair election monitoring process, automatic registration of voters, a minimum 21-day campaign period and access to free and fair media coverage.

The watchdog also called upon the EC to combat corruption by proposing legislation to monitor the income and expenditure of political parties.