TUARAN, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission (EC) is prepared to face any possible disasters such as floods and landslides following the current unstable weather conditions in Sabah to ensure the smooth voting process in the 17th Sabah state election tomorrow.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said EC had prepared standard operating procedures (SOP) and would act based on the current situation and information received from the District Disaster Committee in collaboration with the relevant local authorities.
According to him, the current unstable weather conditions are also expected to affect the voter turnout, especially in areas at risk of experiencing heavy rain or flooding due to the difficulty for voters to go out to fulfil their responsibilities.
"Based on the existing regulations, no additional time is given. However, in extremely serious circumstances, the EC can take action to postpone or postpone the election (process) based on the situation and reports from the District Disaster Committee.
"The EC is always sensitive to these rather unstable weather conditions. Yesterday, we also discussed with MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department) and NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) to prepare for the possibility of any disaster occurring during this election," he said in a press conference today.
According to him, the current unstable weather conditions are also expected to affect the voter turnout, especially in areas at risk of experiencing heavy rain or flooding due to the difficulty for voters to go out to fulfil their responsibilities.
"Based on the existing regulations, no additional time is given. However, in extremely serious circumstances, the EC can take action to postpone or postpone the election (process) based on the situation and reports from the District Disaster Committee.
"The EC is always sensitive to these rather unstable weather conditions. Yesterday, we also discussed with MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department) and NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) to prepare for the possibility of any disaster occurring during this election," he said in a press conference today.