Its chairman Maria Chin Abdullah and several committee members revealed that these were mainly repeat offences, such as bribery, intimidation and usage of government machinery. She lamented the inaction on the part of the Election Commission for years over such offences.
“What is worrying is that these (offences) are not new. It’s done in every election. Today, we are having election offences being repeated on a much larger scale. Yet the EC does not open its mouth or take action to stop these offences,” she told a press conference at the NGO’s headquarters.
Among the highlights of the Bersih report are cases of voting slips containing the BN logo found in various constituencies, including Telang Usan, Asajaya, Stakan, Kalaka, Tasik Biru and Batu Kitang. These slips, Bersih claims, were later exchanged for money.
Cash handouts were also observed during the campaign period. For instance, voters confirmed to Bersih observers that they had received RM30 each from BN party workers during house visits in Tasik Biru.
In its preliminary report, Bersih also pointed out offences regarding the provision of food and drinks by both sides, which contravene Section 8 of the Election Offences Act.
The issue of ‘Pondok Panas’ or campaign booths on polling day was again highlighted by the watchdog.
Both DAP and BN workers were seen providing drinks and food to voters outside the polling station in Bawang Assan, while in Batu Kitang, PKR workers gave the voters button badges. These contravene Section 26(1)(a) of the Election Offences Act.
Bersih charged that BN workers at the ‘Pondok Panas’ at the Lidah Tanah polling station in Batu Kitang directed the voters to a table where they were given money after voting.
Another repeat offence highlighted by Bersih was the use of government machinery in the campaigning process. This, it said, was very evident as BN candidates used both Federal and State Government properties, brandings and logos to campaign.
Maria said Bersih would release the full report in a month’s time. It will be submitted to the EC and released to the public, especially Sarawakians.
Asked if Bersih would take the EC to court for its inaction over the offences, Maria said they were exploring available legal avenues.
“We can only be a pressure group, we are looking into legal actions but bear in mind we have lost most of our cases (against the EC),” she said.