KUANTAN: As the Covid-19's new normal sweeps across the country, the upcoming Chini state seat by-election is certainly one to look out for.
Apart from the post Covid-19 environment, it will be the first by-election after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government in February which saw a new ruling coalition - Perikatan Nasional (PN) - taking over.
Political analyst from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Associate Professor Dr Anuar Shah Bali Mahomed said the Chini by-election could see many firsts including the first under the new normal or held during the Movement Control Order (MCO), held under the PN federal government and ruling Barisan Nasional Pahang government.
He said judging by the current pandemic, the Election Commission (EC) is certain to introduce a new set of guidelines after consulting the National Security Council (NSC) and Health Ministry.
"The Chini by-election will adopt a new normal and since there is a 60 day period (from the date the seat was declared vacant), the EC can choose to hold the election in late June or early July. Due to Covid-19, the EC can choose to maximise the 60 day period.
"Furthermore, there is no hurry as the outcome of the Chini by-election will not affect the state assembly where BN holds 25 of the 42 seats and Pas has eight seats while seven are held by DAP and two belong to PKR ... Pahang's BN government has sufficient numbers and it is (by-election) not going to determine any change in the state government," he said.
Anuar Shah said although Chini is a green zone (free from Covid-19) but since there is no urgency, the EC can decide on a later date or wait for the pandemic in the country to show further improvement as there are still red and yellow zones.
The School of Business and Economics's senior lecturer said the by-election would see a totally new atmosphere and provide a new experience for candidates, their supporters, campaign workers, voters, political party leaders and the media.
"One might have to be always on his or her toes to maintain social distancing and walk around with face masks. There are possibilities of a shorter campaign unlike the usual 14 days, restricted campaign time and not till midnight and no-go for certain events to minimise physical contact.
"In the past political party supporters would gather for processions on nomination day but now, maybe only the candidate, proposer and seconder will be allowed on nomination day or it might only involve a small group of people with strict guidelines at the nomination centre," he said, adding face masks and hand sanitisers will be essential items throughout the campaign.
Anuar Shah said during campaigning, there will be no mass gatherings and house-to-house campaigning might only involve limited individuals.
"It depends on the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the EC and NSC. When a small group is involved, it will be easier for them to adhere to social distancing rules ... campaigning might be held in a much quieter atmosphere without any motorcycle procession or convoys.
"If the current rules apply (MCO rules), those travelling interstate to assist and campaign at the by-election might be required to obtain police permission. Election machinery workers and those present during the campaign will be required to provide their full details in case of any outbreak," he said.
Meanwhile, Anuar Shah said the Chini by-election might see the rise of digital and online political campaigning platforms which were given little emphasis in the past.
He said though some political parties during the previous by-elections aired their ceramah and campaigned live through Facebook but many still preferred to be physically present at the respective event.
"Due to the pandemic and MCO, these days many people spend long hours online so political parties can seize the opportunity to canvass for votes. Try to utilise technology and reduce physical campaigns ... there are many video conferencing platforms including Zoom and StreamYard.
"However, internet network coverage could be an issue at certain locations in Chini and the elderly voters might not favour technology compared to youngsters. The digital platforms could include instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram but it has to be done depending on the suitability," he said.
Meanwhile Anuar Shah said the 11th by-election in Pekan is set to see a battle between newly formed PN and PH, and the by-election outcome could determine if the people are happy with the change of government.
He said to date, 10 by-elections have been held after the 2018 General Election with both coalitions, PH and BN tied with five wins each, a mix of parliament and state assembly seats.
"The Chini state seat has been an Umno stronghold since 2004 and now with the support from Pas it would be an uphill task for PH to wrestle the seat. Apart from the results on polling day, the new normal is certainly going to bring a lot of excitement to the Chini by-election," he said.
The Chini state assembly seat fell vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun, 60. He died in Kuala Lumpur Hospital from a heart attack on May 6.
In GE14, Abu Bakar won the Chini state seat with 10,027 votes against Pas' Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim who secured 5,405 votes and Mohamad Razali Ithnain from PKR who garnered 1,065 votes. Abu Bakar secured a 4,622 majority.
EC chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun is scheduled to make an announcement on its decision regarding the Chini by-election tomorrow.