Election Commission identifies 18 local NGOs, Asean observers to monitor 13th GE

 The Election Commission (EC) has identified 18 local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) as domestic observers, besides observers from Asean countries to monitor the upcoming 13th General Election (GE). Its deputy chairman Datuk Wira Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the EC had met with the NGOs from throughout the country to discuss the conditions for appointment and the monitoring framework.

He said these NGOs were selected as they are independent organisations and not siding with any political party. “The EC has identified six NGOs from the peninsula, nine from Sarawak and three from Sabah for the task. The selection and appointment of the NGOs will be finalised next week.

All the NGOs must abide by the conditions set and are also required to sign the ‘Aku Janji Kerja’ (I Promise to Work) pledge”. Wan Ahmad said the EC would brief the NGO representatives involved so that they would be responsible and understand the legal process of the general election in the interest of the nation’s future. “The EC will give flexibility to the local NGOs in monitoring the elections from the time Parliament is dissolved until the election results are announced and to make reports based on facts, and not based on assumptions, perception and hearsay. If we find any of them violating the ‘Aku Janji’ conditions, campaigning for any party or interviewing voters, we will terminate the observer’s appointment,” he said.

He said observers from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines would be invited to monitor the Malaysian elections in a professional manner and understanding its election process and respecting its laws.