EC bans caricatures during GE13

Political parties contesting in the 13th general election are reminded not to put up posters or buntings bearing caricatures of any individual or personality.

Election Commission deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said it was observed that in the 2011 Sarawak election, there were too many campaign materials used which insinuated and disparaged individuals or personalities.

He said such materials were inappropriate and could portray a lack of seriousness in running for elections.

"The election is a serious matter and we cannot allow political parties to display campaign materials which put down any person," he told reporters after giving an election briefing for the state-level Election Campaign Enforcement Teams (PPKPR) in Senai today.

The EC will use provisions under Section 4(a) of the Election Act 1958 to remove or take down such posters or buntings for the coming general election.

Wan Ahmad said the decision was a good one as it would save the image of leaders and candidates contesting, as well as impose discipline in putting up posters for the elections.

Meanwhile, 26 PPKPR were formed in Johor's parliamentary constituencies to monitor and carry out enforcement during the campaign period.

There are 1.5 million voters in Johor, of whom 22,000 are advance voters comprising members of the armed forces and police, and voters abroad.