KUALA LUMPUR: The redelineation of electoral boundaries has begun in Sarawak, with plans to do the same in Sabah in 2025, and the peninsular states in 2026, according to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh.
Singh mentioned that the Election Commission (EC) would lead the two-year long process, eventually presenting their findings to the Prime Minister.
Throughout the study, the EC will consider various factors, such as the proportionality of voters in each constituency, to ensure fair representation.
Ramkarpal highlighted the significant differences in the number of voters across different constituencies, such as the Bangi constituency, with approximately 300,000 voters, in contrast to Putrajaya, which has between 30,000 and 40,000 eligible voters.
ALSO READ: Five more years before EC can carry out redelineation exercise, says Wan Junaidi
Opposition member V. Ganabatirau brought up the disparities in the number of voters in different constituencies, emphasizing the need for a redelineation exercise to maintain democracy.
Redelineation is a constitutional process aimed at ensuring voters are fairly represented in their given constituencies, and is significant in the lead up to general elections.
ALSO READ: EC explains the new boundaries
Additionally, Ramkarpal addressed the decline in voter turnout in GE15, attributing it to the expansion of the electoral roll through automatic voter registration for individuals aged 18 and above.
GE15 saw a 74.7% voter turnout, in contrast to the 82.3% turnout in GE14 and 84.8% in GE13.
“Despite the lower percentage, EC records show a higher number of eligible voters who participated in GE15 compared to previous general elections,” he noted in response to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau).
VMost recently, the redelineation exercise took place in 2017, prior to the 14th General Election (GE14) the following year, making this upcoming exercise of significant importance in electoral planning.
ALSO READ: Bersih moves to drive higher voter turnout
