How do elections work in Malaysia?
Officially, this day starts after March 7 midnight this year and ends with the announcement of the results. However, polling time is fixed from 8am to 5.30pm for Peninsular Malaysia and 7.30am to 5pm for Sabah and Sarawak. For remote areas, mobile teams are utilised to facilitate polling and the polling times may differ in different districts. The Election Commission normally issues a general public notice about important election matters. They include the polling date, location of polling stations, time of polling at all polling stations, and location of counting and tally centres. Voting is carried out in gazetted polling stations. Each station will have a Presiding Officer who will supervise the entire voting process. The officer will be assisted by voting and counting clerks. The commission sets up an election booth at all polling centres for voters to check their electoral roll serial number and polling stream.
The results of the election can be challenged in court. A petition can be lodged on the following grounds: i) bribery, intimidation or any misconduct that affects the result of the elections; ii) violation of election laws and regulations; iii) corrupt or illegal practice committed by the candidates or their agents; iv) the candidates or their agents are found to be disqualified from contesting. The election petition can be presented to the High Court within 21 days after publication of the results in the Gazette. If the judge, after conducting a trial, decides the elections to be void, the Election Commission will give notice of a fresh election for the constituency concerned.
