It said the five should leave now instead of waiting for the year-end in order to expedite reforms in the EC.

“With the early departure, they have evaded appearing before a tribunal for their roles and responsibilities in the misconduct and abuse of powers in running the 14th general election,” it added in a statement by the steering committee.

In line with the legal maxim of “innocent until proven guilty”, however, Bersih said it respected the position taken by EC member K Bala Singham not to vacate his office.

“Bersih calls for the setting up of the tribunal even though only Bala Singham will be brought before the body,” it said.

Bala Singham, who was appointed in 2016, was involved in the controversial redelineation exercise ahead of the May 9 polls which provoked legal challenges by the Selangor government and voters.

Two days ago, Malaysiakini reported that EC members would be summoned before a tribunal to be set up by the Pakatan Harapan government.

Bersih said the people would be able to see and judge for themselves who was responsible for the widespread mismanagement during the polls.

EC chairman Azhar Harun yesterday announced that EC members, including deputy chairman Othman Mahmood, would vacate their positions on Jan 1.

The other four are Md Yusop Mansur, Abdul Aziz Khalidin, Sulaiman Narawi and Leo Chong Cheong.

Azhar said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had been informed of the decision, which was made three days ago

He said the terms of the five commissioners were shortened in accordance with Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.