What is the significance of the 2018 and 2022 elections for rule of law?

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The 2018 and 2022 elections were pivotal in re-establishing the rule of law in Malaysia by demonstrating that political legitimacy stems from citizen consent, thereby creating the conditions for institutions like the courts to regain credibility.

The general elections of 2018 and 2022 played a critical role in shaping the political landscape, fostering an environment where the rule of law could be reinforced and judicial institutions could rebuild their credibility. These electoral processes underscored that political legitimacy is derived from the consent of the governed, rather than through coercion, thereby enabling subsequent judicial processes, such as the Boxing Day 2025 judgment, to be realised.
Assertion of Legitimacy Through Consent

The Malaysian electorate has repeatedly affirmed that legitimate governance is established through the ballot box. The 2018 general election marked a significant turning point by peacefully ending six decades of continuous rule by a single coalition. Subsequently, in 2022, over 82% of Malaysians participated in another general election, signalling a demand for accountability, coalition-based governance, and a commitment to constitutional continuity. These actions collectively demonstrated that power and legitimacy in Malaysia are fundamentally rooted in the choices made by the electorate.
Enabling Institutional Credibility

The elections created the essential political conditions for institutions, particularly the judiciary, to recover their standing. Courts and other legal bodies do not regain credibility in isolation; their authority is bolstered when citizens consistently demonstrate that political outcomes, regardless of their nature, should be resolved through lawful means. The repeated electoral participation and the electorate's preference for lawful change over other forms of contestation provided this crucial foundation.
Shift Towards Lawful Political Contestation

These electoral events signalled to citizens that political disagreements and transitions must be managed through established legal and constitutional channels. This understanding is vital for the effective functioning of democratic institutions. By choosing elections as their primary means of expressing their will, the Malaysian populace reinforced the principle that political contestation must proceed through courts, appeals, and constitutional mechanisms, thereby reducing pressure on institutions to act outside their mandated roles.

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What is the significance of the 2018 and 2022 elections for rule of law?

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