KIMANIS POLLS | The Election Commission (EC) will introduce the use of video recording at all voting streams in the Jan 18 Kimanis by-election in Sabah.

EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun (above) said the step is one of several being undertaken to improve the transparency and efficiency of the election process.

“The use of video recording is to record the situation at voting polls and to make it easier for the EC to inspect the voting process, that it is carried out in accordance with the procedures that have been set.

“It (the video cameras) will be installed in all 68 streams and will be operated by EC officers,” he said in a statement today.

Azhar added that the recording will be used for monitoring of quality and as reference for training purposes, as well as for the improvement of the coming election process.

He assured, however, that the use of the cameras will not in any way impinge on the confidentiality of votes as they will be installed far from the voting booths.

The presence of voting agents at all voting areas will also be maintained.

The Kimanis by-election was called after the apex court retained the lower court’s decision to nullify former MP Anifah Aman’s win in GE14. 

The coming polls will see a straight fight between Warisan’s Karim Bujang and BN’s Mohamad Alamin.

Early voting for the by-election ended at 12pm today.