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KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken the Election Commission (EC) to task for introducing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Johor election, which he says flies in the face of democratic principles.
Although SOPs have been relaxed, Anwar feels that with most of the population vaccinated and boosted, the EC can accord more leeway.
Last Friday the EC announced that ceramah and campaigns will only be allowed at party offices and official operations rooms with participation limited to 100 people.
Even then organisers will need to obtain police permits for ceramah, talks and campaigns, where these activities can only be allowed for two hours and not after 10pm.
EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said ceramah, talks and campaigns in open or public premises are not allowed, while house visits are limited to just five people – even then they are not allowed to enter the homes.
“The EC must stand for democratic participation and open debate,” Anwar told The Vibes.
“It should not take a rigid line, which is under the dictate of its political masters,” he said.
Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan leader, added that while public health and safety is paramount, SOPs can be introduced to keep the public safe.
“This is where the authorities should be thinking of ways to get life back to normal while living with Covid-19 and not put a blanket ban and introduce SOPs that tend to discourage the return to normalcy,” Anwar added.
Nomination day is on February 26, with polling is set for March 12 with multi-cornered fights expected in some of the 56 seats. – The Vibes, February 25, 2022