ELECTION watchdog Bersih today advised all parties to compete fairly in the August 12 polls so voters are not unduly influenced by parties with access to state resources and machinery.

Bersih said it is concerned about roles played by leaders who are part of the federal administration in the run-up to the state elections. 

“While it is clear state governments are in caretaker mode and should not be using state resources to campaign or to make any major announcement of allocations, the role of the federal government, which is not in caretaker mode, (is less clear),” it said in a statement.

Bersih proposed several guidelines for when federal and state polls are not held together. 

This, it said, is to ensure parties do not abuse government resources at different levels to gain undue advantage over their opponents.

It suggested no conditions should be attached to the fulfilment of any announcement or allocation.

“Any commitments made by the federal government should be fulfilled regardless of the outcome of the state elections,” Bersih said.

Bersih said no campaigning should be done during official federal functions where references are made to elections, names of parties or candidates are mentioned, and party symbols or flags are displayed.

“No allocations are to be made selectively for constituencies to help certain parties wrest or retain such constituencies. 

“No candidates should be present at federal government functions unless they are federal ministers themselves, when special announcements or allocations are made.” 

Bersih said its proposals are for situations in which there are no guidelines or laws to regulate the activities of non-caretaker governments. 

“These principles should apply to the conduct of non-caretaker state governments during general elections. 

“Bersih hopes all political parties and leaders will uphold the spirit of fair play during elections and refrain from abusing state resources and machinery to gain an unfair advantage. 

“Voters are watching, and the election observers mobilised by Bersih will be documenting candidates and parties that commit election campaign offences,” it said. – July 20, 2023.