THE Election Commission must give pre-polls briefings to candidates and campaign personnel to reduce offences during elections, said Bersih 2.0 today.

The electoral watchdog’s steering committee chairman, Thomas Fann, said the Cameron Highlands by-election recorded the highest number of offences, despite improvements made by the EC.

“As many candidates and their campaign teams lack knowledge and understanding of election laws and offences, the EC should provide pre-election briefings for potential candidates.

“I think a small briefing would help candidates and agents, so that we can see a decrease in such offences,” he told a press conference in Petaling Jaya.

He said the improvements made by the EC included advance checking of candidates’ nomination papers, release of early unofficial results, live telecast of vote-tallying, and issuing warnings and lodging police reports over polls offences.

Fann suggested that political parties and the EC hold talks on “grey areas” that might not be categorised as offences.

“There are some clear offences, like bribery or treating (voters), but there are many grey areas. What is the abuse of state resources (considered)? Can a minister drive up to the constituency and campaign using a government car? Can they go during office hours?”

He said there is a need for the list of election offences to be updated, and enforcement powers be handed to the EC when it comes to minor offences.

“There is a need to be clear about what constitutes minor or serious offences – when you wear the party logo or threaten somebody, or bribe somebody with money.

“We recommend that the EC be given more power to enforce election laws. This includes the power to fine candidates or those who violate laws (and commit) minor offences, such as treating (voters) or wearing the badge (party logo) at polling centres.”

Fann urged the commission to start a pilot programme for long-distance polling, especially with the Sarawak elections due in two years’ time.

There will be issues like absentee voters, as many Sarawakians work or study in the peninsula, and they might not be able to return home to cast their ballots due to the costs involved, he said.

Bersih recorded 23 election offences during the Cameron Highlands by-election, starting from nomination day on January 12 till polling day on January 26.

The by-election saw Barisan Nasional’s Ramli Mohd Nor winning the parliamentary seat with 12,038 votes, defeating by Pakatan Harapan’s M. Manogaran, who got 8,800. Independents Sallehudin Ab Talib and Wong Seng Yee received 314 and 276 votes, respectively. – January 31, 2019.