Should the election commissioners resign en bloc now?

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Election Commissioners Should Resign En Bloc if They Possess Integrity

If the election commissioners have any sense of integrity, they should resign en bloc. The indelible ink fiasco has demonstrably breached public trust, and when this confidence is lost, immediate resignation is the appropriate course of action. The Election Commission (EC) failed to adequately ensure a clean and fair election, allowing exploitable loopholes for multiple voting, as evidenced by the ease with which the controversial ink could be removed.
Failure to Safeguard the Electoral Process

The EC's handling of the indelible ink issue highlighted significant shortcomings in safeguarding the electoral process. Despite the efforts of civil society groups and parliamentary select committees, the EC did not implement robust measures to prevent electoral malpractice. An incident in Terengganu during the last general election, where a young man easily removed the ink and could have voted a second time, starkly illustrated the vulnerability of the system. This failure allowed for the exploitation of loopholes, directly contradicting the goal of a clean and fair election.
Disputed Ink Properties and Health Claims

Contradictory statements emerged regarding the indelible ink's properties and composition. The EC deputy chief claimed the ink dried in two seconds, a assertion disputed by the author, who, with a background in chemistry, noted that most inks require 15-30 seconds to dry on skin. Furthermore, the EC initially insisted on the ink's longevity and lack of issues, only to later claim the Ministry of Health had instructed the use of a one per cent silver nitrate solution due to health concerns. This shifting narrative undermined the commission's credibility.
Questionable Procurement and Cost Escalation

The procurement of indelible ink also raised significant questions, particularly concerning its cost. Between 2008 and 2013, the expenditure on indelible ink more than tripled, from RM2.3 million to RM7.1 million, while the voter population increased by only 21.7 per cent. This disproportionate cost increase, when compared to expenditures in other countries like Indonesia's presidential election, suggests potential financial irregularities or inefficient purchasing practices. The article questions the necessity and scale of the purchase, noting that the quantity of ink acquired seemed excessive for the number of polling stations.
Damaged Credibility and Detrimental Actions

A leaked US diplomatic cable from 2008 revealed that former EC chief Abdul Rashid announced the last-minute cancellation of indelible ink use, allegedly under pressure from the BN government. This reversal was seen as damaging the EC's credibility and inviting suspicion regarding Malaysia's electoral process. The actions of both former EC chief Abdul Rashid and the current EC duo are described as having been detrimental to parliamentary democracy, indicating a pattern of decisions that undermined the integrity of the electoral system.

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Should the election commissioners resign en bloc now?

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