MELAKA: The Election Commission (EC) has reminded all candidates, political parties and supporters to cease campaigning by 11.59pm on Friday, including activities on social media, ahead of Saturday’s Melaka state election.
EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said the campaign period would officially end at midnight, stressing that the restriction also applied to online platforms such as Facebook.
“This is the final day of campaigning. We want to remind all candidates, their colleagues and supporters that campaigning ends at 11.59pm tonight.
“Enough campaigning. People have heard what you have to say. By midnight, stop campaigning, including online,” he told reporters at Dewan Platinum, Politeknik Merlimau, on Friday.
Azmi urged political parties and their supporters to respect the deadline and refrain from continuing their campaign activities once the permitted period ended.
“Be patient with Facebook. After the election, you can cry or celebrate, whichever you prefer.
“But for campaigning, stop. By midnight tonight, please stop,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azmi said the EC would continue using its OCRVA system to provide real-time voter turnout information during Saturday’s polling.
He said the system allowed the commission, political analysts and members of the public to monitor turnout figures without waiting for the hourly updates previously provided.
“The system is very useful for collecting data because we can obtain it in real time.
“Previously, we had to wait for updates every hour. Now, anyone can visit our website to check the number of voters who have turned up,” he said.
Azmi acknowledged that election personnel needed time to familiarise themselves with the system but maintained that it was straightforward and accurate.
He also assured voters that its implementation would not compromise ballot secrecy or significantly increase the time required to cast their votes.
“It is quite simple and accurate. We are continuing to use it as part of our efforts to modernise the voting system.
“It does not affect the secrecy of the vote or significantly affect the time taken to vote,” he said.
Azmi also encouraged voters to check their designated polling centres and voting streams through MySPR before heading out to vote.
Those without internet access could seek assistance from EC personnel at polling centres to confirm their voting arrangements, he added.
A total of 687,697 registered voters are eligible to vote in the 16th Melaka state election tomorrow, with 28 state assembly seats up for grabs.
The election will see 79 candidates contesting, comprising 24 from Pakatan Harapan, 23 from Barisan Nasional, 16 from Bersama, seven from Bersatu, five from Perikatan Nasional, one from Putra and three independents.
