ROSE: Over 20 representations expected over EC’s Sarawak boundary proposal
by Jude Toyat · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 23): More than 20 representations are expected to be submitted over the Election Commission’s (EC) first proposal for the review of Sarawak’s state electoral boundaries, according to civil society group Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE).
ROSE said the representations were expected from groups in several affected areas, which could either support, object to or propose changes to the proposed boundaries.
In a statement, ROSE said the deadline for submitting representations was Sept 30, urging groups intending to make submissions to complete the process early rather than wait until the final day.
It said the registration, collection of signatures and submission of representations should be completed in advance to minimise the risk of technical issues or documentation errors.
ROSE also encouraged groups and communities with grounds to support, object to or propose changes to the EC’s recommendations, but which were unsure how to organise a group, secure the required support of at least 100 eligible voters or prepare a representation, to contact the organisation for guidance.
“ROSE does not determine whether a group should support or object. That decision is the right of the people,” it said.
The organisation said its role was to help those involved understand the process and provide them with the information needed to exercise their rights.
The EC’s current public display of its proposed recommendations and draft electoral boundaries for Sarawak runs from Sept 1 to Sept 30. The proposed review includes 17 new state constituencies and changes to the names of 10 existing state constituencies.
Representations concerning the proposed recommendations may be submitted to the EC during the public display period, subject to the requirements under the electoral delimitation process.
ROSE reiterated that Sept 30 was the deadline and urged affected groups to submit their representations before the closing date.