KUCHING: Automatic voter registration (AVR) and Undi18 will not be implemented in the 12th state election which will be held on Dec 18.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar explained that although the government had gazetted the directive, the state election this time only involved the latest electoral register which was updated until Nov 2 this year.
The electoral register was certified prior to the proclamation of the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 3, in accordance with Regulation 9 of the Elections Regulations 2002 (Registration of Voters).
“This decision is based on the legal process, including the decision set by the Kuching High Court, and not to deny or set aside the rights and wishes of youths aged 18 and above to vote.
“I would like to clarify here that there is no pressure from any party on this issue. In fact, Sarawak is ready to accept these young voters and I hope this issue is not politicised,” said Wan Junaidi in a statement he issued yesterday (Nov 2).
The Election Commission (EC) informed that Section 3(a) and (b) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019 in relation to the age limit of 18 years and automatic voter registration was gazetted on Dec 1.
It will take effect on Dec 15 after obtaining the consent of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
On Sept 3, the Kuching High Court ordered the EC and the government to implement Undi 18 and the automatic voter registration by Dec 31 this year.
