Razali confirmed the EC had rejected Suhakam's application to be an observer at GE14 polling stations, — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — The Election Commission (EC) has rejected the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) application to be an observer at polling stations for GE14.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail confirmed this today, saying that he did not understand the EC’s rationale in doing so — especially since there will be international observers overseeing the country’s election process.

“Free and fair elections or its absence is an integral factor of human rights, and Suhakam calls on the Election Commission to recognise and acknowledge fundamental human rights principles relating to elections with integrity,” he said in a statement.

Nomination is this Saturday and May 9 is fixed for polling.