On Monday (10 October), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob unexpectedly announced the dissolution of the 14th Parliament to make way for the 15th general election (GE15).
While most of us are guessing on which date the GE15 polling date would fall on, most have expressed their concern about the potential flooding due to the monsoon seasons.
What happens if flood happens during GE?
Speaking to The Star, Election analyst Dr G Manimaran said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can make an Emergency declaration to postpone voting in the event of major floods during the elections.
“The King can declare an emergency and postpone campaigning and voting to a later date,” he said.
He also gave an example that took place in December 2021, where the King declared a state of emergency in the Gerik parliamentary and Bugaya state assembly seats to avoid polls amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Meanwhile, Political analyst Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani shared that if floods happened in certain areas or states, only the affected areas may be postponed.
“If the floods happen in any flood-prone areas in Kelantan or Terengganu, depending on the situation, voting in either the whole state or a constituency can be postponed.”
“But this can only happen in the event of emergencies such as major floods or health crises, such as with Covid-19 previously,” he said.
However, he said that it is unlikely that the King will declare a national-level emergency due to the floods.
“The National Security Council can provide a report to the King when floods occur in an area and affect the voting process, then the King can decide to postpone voting there,” he said.
He added that the polling can be postponed to another date when the condition improves.
Do you think that GE15 will be held in mid-November? Or do you think that Ismail Sabri’s decision to dissolve the Parliament at this time is wrong? Share your thoughts!
