THE restrictions against parties from putting other leaders’ images on campaign materials has been lifted, the Election Commision said today.

“There are no more restrictions on the use of leaders’ images from other parties,” said EC deputy chairman Othman Mahmood at the Sg Kandis by-election nomination hall in Shah Alam today.

He said candidates are permitted to distribute campaign materials that contain pictures of the candidate, party logos and other leaders’ photos including those from their coalition partners. The candidates, however, are not allowed to put up campaign materials bearing images from their rival parties.

But he reminded the candidates not to put up campaign materials that could stoke racial and religious sentiments.

He said these were some of the changes they have introduced for the Sg Kandis by-election which will be held on August 4.

During the 14th general election, several Pakatan Harapan billboards carrying images of chairman and then prime minister candidate Dr Mahathir Mohamad were cut out.

The widely criticised ruling, which was imposed ahead of GE14, was said to be aimed at curbing Dr Mahathir’s influence.

Other changes announced by Othman were the introduction of 21 more voting streams to make the voting process easier.

“For this by election, we have raised the number of streams from 88 to 109. The voting period has also been increased by 30 minutes, making it from 8am to 5.30pm,” said Othman.

Othman said 69 observers have been appointed to monitor this by-election.

“The observers comprise of Suhakam, Bersih 2.0, Engage, Persatuan Orang Kota Bharu (POKB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysian and Kelab Pemikir Nasional.”

EC is anticipating a 80% turnout for this by-election. The results are expected to be announced at 10pm on August 4.

Earlier, EC confirmed that the Sg Kandis by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional’s Lokman Adam, PKR’s Zawawi Ahmad Mughni and independent Murthy Krishnasamy.

This is the first by-election following the general election on May 9. – July 21, 2018.