Calls grow for the EC to remain independent in Sarawak’s redelineation exercise, as PKR and civil society warn against political interference ahead of state polls.
KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) has been urged to remain independent and resist any attempts by the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration to dictate new electoral boundaries in the state.
Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Hulu Rejang divisional chief Abun Sui Anyit, stated that the EC must review electoral borders based on the current needs of the public rather than relying on one-sided recommendations from the government.
Abun, who also serves as a legal adviser for Sarawak PKR said that the EC is currently reviewing Sarawak’s electoral boundaries following the passing of a Bill late last year to increase state constituencies from 82 to 99.
“The EC must carry out a thorough process of consultation with every political party in Sarawak and not only consider the views of the ruling coalition.
“The rakyat must be consulted too,” Abun said in a press statement today.
He further demanded that the new boundaries be put on public display, with sufficient time provided for objections and formal reviews.
A primary focus of the redelineation exercise, according to Abun, should be the equitable demarcation of population density.
“Every constituency should ideally have approximately the same number of voters. This avoids situations where certain areas are heavily congested while neighbouring constituencies have far fewer voters,” he said.
He pointed out that vast rural areas in central and northern Sarawak, such as Baram, Hulu Rejang, and Kapit, require more seats to ensure effective representation.
In a related matter, a politically neutral civil society group the Rise Of Social Efforts (ROSE), has echoed these sentiments.
ROSE coordinator Geoffrey Tang cautioned that allowing politicians to dictate electoral boundaries is equivalent to letting them “decide who they want as their voters”.
“The EC must not let politicians lead the way in dictating these changes.
“We do not want the redelineation to favour any particular political group or individual,” Tang said.
He added that with the automatic registration of citizens aged 18 and above, Sarawak is gaining over 3,000 new voters every month, making fair redistribution essential.
The redelineation exercise comes amid growing speculation that the Sarawak State Elections could be called shortly after the June Gawai Dayak festivities.
The current term of the State Legislative Assembly is set to expire on 18 December this year.
The state’s ruling GPS coalition comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP), the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).