THE Election Commission (EC) has denied allegations by Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan that it had delayed the Rantau by-election to break Barisan Nasional’s momentum.

EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said in a statement today that the commission has been professional and not sided with any parties in the running of by-elections.

“As a constitutional institution whose members have been appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the EC has always fulfilled its responsibilities and trust with professionalism, and had not acted in favour of any party in any election,” said Azhar.

He also explained the sequence of procedures to announce the dates for nomination and polling in Rantau.

Azhar said EC received a certificate from the Federal Court registrar about the dismissal of the Rantau seat on February 26, 2019.

He said according to the law, EC was supposed to fill the seat within 60 days of the dismissal.

“The 60 days end on April 26,” he said.

He said that in accordance with Section 12 of the Elections Act 1958, EC must release an election writ between not less than four and not more than 10 days from the date of the seat vacancy.

“The EC in this regard, has taken into account all periods set forth by law and had called for a meeting on March 6 to set important election dates for the Rantau state seat,” he said.

“At the same time, we were also preparing for the Semenyih by-election on March 2,” he added.

He said all EC actions are not influenced by any political party or leanings.

Yesterday, Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Hasan or Tok Mat, alleged that the EC took a month to call for the by-election after its meeting.

He said EC was doing to slow down BN’s momentum after winning two back-to-back by-elections in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih.

Mohamad said the Pakatan Harapan was seeking to “finish him off” so as to end BN’s resurgence.

Mohamad, a former Negri Sembilan menteri besar, won Rantau in the 14^th general election after his challenger, PKR’s Dr S. Streram, was denied entry into the nomination centre on the grounds that he did not have an EC pass with him.

In November last year, the Election Court nullified Mohamad’s win following an election petition filed by Streram.

Mohamad’s appeal against the decision was later dismissed by the Federal Court, triggering the by-election.

The two men are joined by independent contenders R. Malar and Mohd Nor Yassin for April 13 vote.

The 14-day campaign period kicked off on Saturday. – April 1, 2019.