KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — As nominations begin tomorrow for the 15th general election (GE15), first time voters are reminded to study the background of candidates and the various campaign promises offered by political parties.
Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) researcher Halmie Azrie Abdul Halim said such reviews are important to ensure that voters will choose candidates based on qualities and not merely by political gambits.
“First time voters will benefit from discussions with peers, family members or lecturers about what’s currently going on. They also need to do their own personal reading to get to know candidates better.
“Find out also about what candidates promise, especially about policies and service track record because as we all know, all three coalitions have had a shot at governing, so their performance can be assessed,” he said on the Darah Muda programme that discussed the issue, “First Time Voters: Do’s and Don’ts”, broadcast by Bernama TV tonight.
Regarding Malaysia’s expected economic recession, Halmie Azrie advised voters to be sensitive with that issue, especially efforts championed by candidates or parties to face that challenge.
Based on the Election Commission’s (EC) electoral roll, there will be 21.1 million qualified voters this GE15, out of which 5 million are first time voters. That number is almost twice as much as the 11 million qualified voters in GE14, after the voting age was lowered to 18 and automatic registration was passed by Parliament previously.
