The much-anticipated discourse between the Election Commission and Bersih 2.0 organisers was marred by booing from the emotionally-strung crowd. Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar was interrupted so many times that he could not fully explain his answers to the questions posed during the dialogue Tuesday.
At one point, the crowd chanted that the “EC has no power” as Wan Ahmad explained that the commission had no power to amend the election laws because this was under the purview of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“The commission is just an election management body and not an enforcement agency. We don’t have investigators. We don’t have the power of arrest as the police do,” said Wan Ahmad during his opening remarks.
Earlier, the crowds had called on Wan Ahmad to give his explanation why demands by Bersih 2.0 could not be implemented.
However, Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk S. Ambiga, who claimed that the commission was not taking the initiative to change an obsolete electoral system, was greeted with applause from the audience.
“If EC acted to make a change, we will support you. We will be by their side in their struggle,” said Ambiga adding that the EC must disclose to the public the amendments it had proposed.
Source: EC explains why electoral reform is not in its hands.