Bersih records fewer election offences in Sandakan polls

Bersih recorded a lower number of election offences in the recent Sandakan by-election.

The Sabah chapter of the electoral reform group said in a statement today that it recorded a total of 19 election offences for Sandakan, compared to 36 in the April 13 Rantau by-election.

Of the 19 recorded offences, two related to treating and misuse of government assets as well as spreading ill will, and eight to campaigning on election day.

The group added that there is one recorded incident of the government exercising undue influence.

In its statement, Bersih also urged the Election Commission to be stricter on polling day.

Read more: Cops still probing reports lodged by EC for six by-elections

"Even though there were some enforcement shortcomings in relation to election offences, the EC has generally conducted the election well.

"There were several improvements including voting facilities, such as better ramps for wheelchair-bound voters, and the use of a buggy car for old folk and the disabled," it said.

Of the total number of offences, 11 were committed by Pakatan Harapan, three by PBS and five by independent candidates or other parties.

The Sandakan by-election saw a contest between DAP's Vivian Wong, PBS' Linda Tsen and independent candidates Hamzah Abdullah, Chia Siew Yung and Sulaiman Abdul Samat.

Wong won the election, garnering 16,012 votes against her closest rival Tsen, finished with a distant 4,491 votes.