THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has demanded an explanation from the government over reports that several people were unable to vote because their identity cards were used by others in the recent state polls. 

Bersih urged the Election Commission (EC) as well as the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department (NRD) to provide answers on the issue. 

“Bersih is deeply concerned by reports that voters were unable to vote because their identity cards were used by other individuals in the six state elections.  

“The misuse of another person’s identity card to vote in an election is an offence under Section 3(1)(l) and Section 7 of the Election Offences Act, which is voting in an electoral division where one is not entitled to vote and an impersonation offence,” it said. 

According to Bersih, three voters were unable to vote because their identity cards were used, which caused their names to be removed from the voter lists.  

They encountered the problem at SMK Seberang Marang, Terengganu, SK Kampung Raja Uda, Selangor, and SK Taman Mahsuri, Kedah.  

“Police have also received 94 reports regarding the same offence. In the last general election (GE15), we also received three reports of voters’ names being crossed out from the list, indicating that others had voted on their behalf. 

“This current report shows a significant increase compared to previous elections, such as GE15, and the Malacca, Sarawak, and Johor elections,” Bersih added. 

Bersih said the EC should immediately carry out an internal investigation of the election officials at the polling centres where the errors were reported. It singled out polling clerks (KP) 1 and 2, who it said were responsible for verifying the identities of voters. 

“An investigation needs to be conducted as to whether KP1 and 2 have performed their duties based on the act and regulations set. 

“NRD, which is under the Home Ministry, also needs to conduct a transparent investigation and explain this issue to the public. 

“The misuse of identity cards and impersonation to vote in elections is a serious offence because this has denied real voters their right to vote, as well as affected the integrity of the electoral roll and the conduct of the election itself,” Bersih said. 

Recently, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said Selangor had the highest number of such reports with 48 cases, followed by Penang (20), Negri Sembilan (six), Kelantan (two), and nine cases each in Kedah and Terengganu. – August 16, 2023.