KUALA LUMPUR: The nomination and electoral process for the Chini state assembly by-election could not be done online as proposed by certain parties.
Election Commission (EC) Chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said the electoral process should be based on the existing legal framework.
The amendment involving an online-based electoral process is still being studied by the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC), he said.
Azhar however, said several standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines are being finalised in a discussion involving the EC, National Security Council (NSC) and Health Ministry (MoH).
"According to the existing framework, the nomination process could not be done online. Instead, it should be conducted based on existing legal provisions.
"The ERC and I are involved in discussions to amend several matters, including converting to an online system, but this will take some time before it can be implemented.
"Such amendments would require the involvement of various parties, such as Members of Parliament and the Attorney General's Chambers. So (for now), we have no choice but to conduct it (the nomination and voting process) based on an existing mechanism, " he said when contacted by Berita Harian, today.
If the Conditional Movement Control Order is still in force on nomination day, Azhar said several adjustments would be made, involving nomination and electoral process for the by-election to curb the spread of Covid-19.
"If you look at the legal provisions, it is not necessary for the nomination papers to be handed over by the candidate himself. It can be submitted by a supporter or an introducer.
"There is no obligation for candidates to be at the nomination centre, so we can limit the number of people. There would also be no parade involving supporters.
"Whatever it is, all these aspects, including the code of campaigning, would be jointly resolved by the NSC, MoH and Police, in the event that CMCO is still in force on nomination day.
"EC is only an implementing body, as such, we will wait. When the actual dates (nomination and election) approach, we will inform of the details involved," he said.
The Chini state assembly seat is vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun, 60. He died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital from a heart attack, shortly after he fell down and had breathing difficulty.
