COVID-19: It is time for the EC to introduce postal votes, e-votes

KUALA LUMPUR: It is time for the Election Commission (EC) to introduce postal and online voting methods (e-voting) to limit the movement of voters from outside who intend to return to vote.

President of the Malaysian Association of Public Health Physicians Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said this can ensure the election goes smoothly amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think, it is time for the EC to increase the category in the Peninsula or outside the constituency.

"Secondly, we should think or plan the e-voting method with the use of digital technology. If there is an e-vote, it is easier, but maybe the procedure is a bit difficult.

"Another way, in addition to standard operating procedures (SOP), to limit movement, is postal voting," he told Astro AWANI on Sunday.

Dr Zainal added that candidates and contesting parties are advised to use more creative campaigning methods and comply with the new norms and COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines in elections.

"In the event of an election, use the new norms and campaign the new way.

"If they have to hold an election, EC staff must follow (the use of) frontline staff.

"Voters also need to follow the SOP. We do not want the fourth wave following the implementation of the Batu Sapi by-election (by-election), ”he said.

The Batu Sapi by-election was held following the death of incumbent Datuk Liew Vui Keong of the Heritage party, who died on October 2.

The EC has set November 23 as the nomination date, December 1 as the early voting date and December 5 as the voting date.