LACK of physical distancing, unequal media coverage and voting centres that were not disabled-friendly were some of the observations noted by Suhakam in the Sabah elections that concluded yesterday.

In a statement today to highlight findings from its observations from September 21 to 26, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia said, generally, the election process was conducted in an orderly manner and in compliance with election regulations and Covid-19 prevention guidelines issued by the Election Commission.

It added that candidates were able to carry out their campaign activities either via door-to-door campaigning, talks or live sessions via social media platforms.

“However, at some of the campaign events, Suhakam observed that the crowd did not maintain physical distancing among themselves,” it said.

The commission also said that mainstream media coverage was not equally distributed among the contesting political parties.

It also said that some voting centres were not disabled-friendly.

“Polling channels for older persons, persons with disabilities and pregnant women were not situated on the ground floor and they had to climb up staircases.

“Drains around the route to the polling channels were not covered and some of the centres did not provide enough wheelchairs or had none to assist those in need of such a facility.”

Suhakam said it would release a full report on the election and include recommendations.

In the elections yesterday, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won 38 state seats, giving it a small majority over its closest rival, Warisan Plus, which won 29 seats.

Warisan’s allies, PKR and Upko, won two and one seat respectively, while independents won three seats. – September 27, 2020.