KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Apr: The Coalition for Clean Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) expressed their dissatisfaction with the Election Commission (EC) for having yet to implement their demands.
This is because in BERSIH 2.0’s eight demands since its launch in 2011, only the use of indelible ink is being used in the 13th General Elections (GE-13).
BERSIH 2.0 Co-Chairman, Datuk S Ambiga said that they are dissatisfied with the way the EC implemented the use of indelible ink.
“(We are) dissatisfied, so far only one demand have been fulfilled which is regarding the usage of indelible ink, and BERSIH is not satisfied with the way this was implemented.
When asked about concerns of voters abroad, the former Bar Council member was evidently disappointed again with the EC’s action.
“We do not even know whether they (overseas voters) have the opportunity to register; not enough information was given.
“They (EC) promised to make (claim fill) a year ago but it was done too close to the elections,” she said.
Among the other demands by BERSIH 2.0 is to clean up the electoral roll, reform the postal ballot, a 21-day minimum campaigning period, free and fair media access, strengthening public institutions, to stop corruption and dirty politics.
She said that free media access for all parties, including for the people, is the main demand in BERSIH 2.0’s list of demands that have yet to be implemented.
“The government is offering 10 minutes. You do the calculations.
“Is it enough? This is a joke,” she said.
She added that now is the best time for the Information Minister, Datuk Seri Rais Yatim to open media space freely for all political parties contesting in accordance with the guidelines contained in the provisional government guidelines and not ‘merely make announcements’.
It was further suggested to have an open discussion between Pakatan Rakyat and BN which will be chaired by a moderator to explain the offer in their respective manifestos.