WITH statistical data indicating that voter turnout in the coming six state elections will be around 59-64%, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) and broadcaster Astro Awani have launched a drive to boost turnout to 70% or more.

Bersih, in announcing the #VoteLokal #UndiLokal campaign, said history showed that state elections not held in conjunction with a general election (GE) recorded lower participation from voters, somewhere between 10-15% lower than the GE.

The turnout rate for the last general election, Bersih said, was 74%.

“Meaning the turnout for the 6PRN (six state elections) will likely be around 59-64%, if we do not advocate for a higher turnout.” 

Bersih said the current narrative used by contesting parties is that it is a referendum on the unity government on issues such as the economy and the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty).

It added that both sides of the political divide seemed to be campaigning along those lines.

Bersih said the #VoteLokal #UndiLokal campaign would therefore focus on the real reason for the elections and why people should vote. 

It added that it would do that by drawing voters’ attention to state and local issues.

“This matters since state governments appoint local councilors, whose decisions directly impact our local services, developments, and businesses. 

“In short, state elections are important because they directly impact our quality of life.” 

“If you want better management of local services, developments, and businesses, vote for a better state government.” 

That would be our public message, the civil society organisation (CSO) said. 

To amplify the message, Bersih said the public could do use the campaign hashtags #VoteLokal and #UndiLokal to bring up local issues in their respective constituencies. 

Bersih said they should also tag the contesting candidates. 

Bersih added that the public could use the hashtags in creating its own posters and TikTok/Youtube videos. 

The CSO urged everyone to encourage their friends and families in the six states to vote. 

“(And) like and share Bersih’s social media content and related news links.” 

It said democracy is only meaningful when there is mass participation in a clean and fair election. 

“Let your vote decide better state governments and local authorities.” – August 1, 2023.