EC sets July 4 as polling day for Chini state seat

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has set July 4 as polling day for the Chini by-election in Pahang.

EC chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) said new norms in line with the Health Ministry’s Covid-19 procedures would be applied during the by-election.

Nomination day has been set for June 20, which means there will be a 14-day campaign period.

Azhar said the EC had held discussions with the National Security Council, Health Ministry and the police on the standard operating procedures for the Chini by-election.

He said to control social distancing, as well as avoid overcrowding on polling day, the EC would limit the number of voters at each voting stream.

Voters will be informed of the recommended times for them to go out and cast their ballots.

Campaigning activities, said Azhar, must also adhere to the government's movement control order (MCO).

The Pekan National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) main hall will be used for the nomination and vote tallying processes.

Currently, the country is under the conditional MCO which is scheduled to end on June 9, barring any further extension.

The incumbent Chini assemblyman, Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun of Umno, passed away on May 7, paving the way for the by-election.

Earlier, the EC held a meeting chaired by Azhar to discuss the by-election.