'Streamlined state polls enable campaign expense reduction'
SHAH ALAM - The upcoming state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor on August 12 have been deemed practical and convenient for multiple parties.
Former Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, said the simultaneous implementation would benefit all political parties vying for the 245 seats in the State Legislative Assembly.
"The synchronised state polls in these six states allow political parties to save on campaign costs, including allowances for party workers, transportation, logistics, and other associated expenses.
"It also benefits the EC, election officials, and government agencies involved in the polls, such as the police and local authorities, as they only need to work once for all election activities," he told Sinar Premium.
Election Commission Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh announced on Wednesday that the polling day for state polls in the six states would take place simultaneously on August 12.
The nomination day was set for July 29, while early voting would occur on August 8.
To this, Wan Ahmad further explained that the chosen polling date of August 12 was appropriate since most of the population would be on leave on Saturdays.
"The Saturday date of August 12 is highly suitable as it allows out-of-town voters to return and fulfill their responsibilities.
"It also considers the pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage before that date, allowing them to vote," he said.
Wan Ahmad clarified that voting on a Saturday would not disrupt the schedules of teachers and schools serving as polling centers.
On the 14-day campaign period, he said that it was more than sufficient, considering that all political parties had already been campaigning for an extended period, even though the official period begins on July 29.
"A prolonged campaign period only intensifies the political atmosphere and disrupts people's routine.
"Digital campaigns can be conducted more quickly and effectively to reach a wider range of voters in the upcoming state polls," he said.
Meanwhile, EC former chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, highlighted that the simultaneous implementation of the state polls was practical in terms of cost savings and to avoid prolonged politicking by competing political parties.
"Prolonged politicking (during the campaign period) can lead to various issues, allegations, and slander that can tarnish the image of elections. "Therefore, it is better to conduct them simultaneously.
"We also do not want this prolonged politicking to exhaust and disillusion the people.
"The electoral process should proceed smoothly and peacefully so that the people can make their choices in the most conducive atmosphere," he said.
