POLLS watchdog Bersih will hold a by-election soon to fill the vacancy left by the sudden resignation of Thomas Fann as chairman.

In a statement today, Bersih said an ad hoc election committee will be formed to carry out the election with the notice of the nomination, campaign and polling periods to be announced in due course.

“Bersih held its first meeting of the new steering committee (SC) last night to discuss the way forward after the election of the new SC for the term 2023-2025 and the unexpected resignation of newly re-elected chairman Thomas Fann, two days ago.

“It was agreed that a by-election be held as soon as is practicable to fill the vacancy of the chairman. Fann gave his assurance that he will remain to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to the new SC and chairman,” it said.

On Sunday, Fann announced his resignation, citing what he perceived as a vote of no confidence from the reform group’s endorsing civil society groups.

Fann had won the seat uncontested for another term on the steering committee polls just 10 days ago.

He said he had had time to reflect, and it had become clear to him that his efforts to evolve Bersih into a “people’s institution” were rejected by the majority of the endorsing civil society groups of Bersih.

In a letter to the steering committee and civil society groups, he noted that the five contested positions of deputy chair, treasurer, and three committee member posts were won by four candidates from a rival faction that had run against his team.

In a note to the press, Fann said he would stay as chairman for two months or until his successor is elected, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. 

Meanwhile, Bersih executive director Ooi Kok Hin gave his assurance that the secretariat would continue its vital role of supporting the new SC as it continues to make Bersih relevant and impactful in advocating for electoral and institutional reforms. – November 21, 2023.