KUCHING: As the 12th Sarawak Election builds up momentum, two members of the public believe that a different approach should be taken in order to generate high voter turnout.
Muhammad Firdaus Ibrahim, a communications officer, said it was critical to diversify campaigning methods to ensure that each political party’s message reaches the public.
He said in view of the Covid-19 situation, parties should be more creative in winning the people’s hearts and gaining their trust.
“There should definitely be no physical campaigning to avoid an upsurge (in Covid-19 cases), but this should not be a problem because they (political parties) can always return to the traditional way or use the technological advancement (method of campaigning) that we have these days.
“Aside from just doing a social media campaign, they can always opt for a safer way, such as sending out brochures to houses in rural areas, using a speakerphone and riding through town to campaign, as well as utilising the LED (light-emitting diode) signage on buses and screens around the city to make it more interactive.
“This way, at the very least, it can create an atmosphere for the public to be excited to vote on election day, thereby upholding their responsibility as a citizen,” the 25-year-old told New Sarawak Tribune on Monday (Nov 22).
Meanwhile, Hamizi Hipni, 44, said all relevant parties should band together and pool their efforts in order to encourage high voter turnout.
“All parties, particularly the Election Commission (EC), should consider using the village chief’s approach to encourage residents to vote.
“It should be made clear to them their roles and responsibilities as leaders, as well as the importance of their participation in the election process in order to ensure that the people under their care vote.”
The police officer added that there should be a more convenient method of voting whenever possible, such as providing a drive-through voting centre for the vulnerable group (elderly and people with disabilities).
“This is another option that could be taken into consideration as it could reduce congestion on election day, making it easier for them (vulnerable groups) and thus encourage them to show up regardless of their circumstances to vote.”
