Kota Kinabalu: Election Commission has yet to decide on any postal voting mechanism for Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia, said its Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan Harun.
Hence, registered voters outside the State are required to return to Sabah if they wish to cast their votes in the 17th Sabah State Election.
“For the time being, the decision regarding the matter has not been finalised,” he said. Ramlan said the existing decision regarding postal voting for the Sabah polls remains unchanged.
He said EC has taken into account all logistical aspects to ensure a smooth voting process without disrupting the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination schedule.
“We have taken into account all logistical facilities and we do not foresee any overlap between polling centres and examination venues. Moreover, polling will be held on a Saturday, so, God willing, it will not interfere with the SPM examination, which begins on Nov 22,” he said.
Commenting on the possibility of a parliamentary seat falling vacant in the near future, Ramlan said the matter is subject to the decision of the Speaker of Parliament.
“Such decision lies under the Speaker’s jurisdiction. In this context, we will wait for any decision from the Speaker of Parliament. If a vacancy occurs, a by-election will be held within 60 days from the date the notice is received from the Speaker,” he said.
On whether by-elections would still be required after the three-year mark of the Madani Government’s administration, Ramlan said the EC had issued an official pamphlet outlining the relevant guidelines.