EC on PD by-election: Fight clean and fair

PORT DICKSON: The Election Commission (EC) has reminded candidates contesting in the by-election here to conduct clean campaigns and not flout the regulations.

Its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) said candidates and political parties should not conduct campaigning activities, such as organising dinner functions (majlis jamuan), giving gifts to fish for votes or misusing government assets, as well as campaigning using racial and religious sentiments.

"If such campaigning activities take place, stern action will be taken in line with the Election Offences Act 1954," he said in a statement Tuesday (Oct 2).

Azhar added that to ensure the election process runs smoothly and harmoniously, all parties, including political leaders, candidates and supporters, must follow all the rules set by the authorities, such as the EC, police and local councils.

He said the onus is on the candidates and political parties to ensure that activities carried out throughout the Port Dickson by-election does not go against any laws, and would not cause confusion for the voters.

"The EC would urge people to lodge a report if any parties are found guilty in flouting the laws and regulations during the official campaigning period.

"We would also like to remind parties that during polling day, no one is allowed to campaign or canvas for votes, even through social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram," he said, adding that the EC hopes that everyone will carry out campaigns ethically.

The EC has set Oct 13 as polling day for the Port Dickson by-election, which will see a seven-cornered fight.

Those contesting are PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, former Negri Sembilan mentri besar Tan Sri Isa Samad, Lt Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar from PAS, Anwar's ex-aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, Stevie Chan Keng Leong, Lau Seck Yan and Kan Chee Yuen.