Kuala lumpur: The media plays a crucial role as a strategic partner of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring that election-related information is conveyed accurately and does not mislead the public. Nik Aminudin Nik Shahar Shah, Head of Training Management Programme at the Election Academy, emphasized the impact of inaccurate reporting on public perception of the EC, highlighting the importance of proper understanding in election coverage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nik Aminudin pointed out past instances where reports could have misled the public, such as the misconception that postal voting was available to all voters unable to return to cast their votes, when it is, in fact, limited to certain eligible categories. He made these remarks at the Course on Political and Election Coverage: Techniques, Ethics, and Media Analysis, organized by the Election Academy and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Excellence Centre at Wisma Bernama.

Nik Aminudin underscored the importance of engagement sessions to bolster cooperation between the EC and the media, aiming to improve understanding of official election terms and procedures. He clarified common confusions, such as the term ‘Sabah State Election,’ which is officially the ‘Sabah State Legislative Assembly General Election’ according to the EC.

He also addressed public misconceptions regarding the electoral roll, explaining that it is based on a cut-off period gazetted by the EC. Electors registering after this period will only be eligible to vote in subsequent elections, a fact that often causes confusion among the public.

Furthermore, Nik Aminudin clarified misunderstandings about the ban on mobile phones in polling centers. Voters are allowed to bring their phones but must place them in designated areas when marking their ballots to ensure vote secrecy. This restriction is applicable to everyone in the voting channel, including agents and election officers, except for the Presiding Officer, to prevent compromising vote confidentiality.