Elections

Ahmad, Muhamad Hassan and Ali Mohamed, Ashgar Ali and Arowosaiye, Yusuf Ibrahim and Masum, Ahmad (2022) Elections. In: Constitutional Law in Malaysia. LexisNexis Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., pp. 521-555. ISBN 978-967-270-163-7

PDF (Book Chapter) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (0B) | Request a copy

Abstract

Malaysia adopts the ‘First-Past-The-Post’ (FPTP) electoral system, similar to Westminster voting system, to elect members of parliament. It is a ‘plurality electoral system’ in which a candidate needs only a single vote more than other opponents in order to win the seat in the election. Usually, in this electoral system, each political party nominates one candidate to stand on their behalf. It is also normal to see independent candidates those without parties stand for election. On the day of election, the voters cast their votes for the candidate from the political party that they prefer or an independent candidate for a specific constituency where they are qualified to vote. The voting is conducted by secret ballots and thus it is confidential. Generally, in an election, a voter can only vote for one candidate for a particular seat once only. According to some critics, this voting system creates two types of areas, i.e., ‘safe seats’ that have a low chance of changing and ‘swing seats’ that could change. Accordingly, political parties tend to focus more in swing seats to capture more supports, as the saying goes, ‘the more the merrier’. In Malaysia, Articles 113 - 120 of the Federal Constitution deal with matters relating to elections at both the Federal level and the State level. Apart from that, election matters are also governed by many other relevant legislations, rules and regulations such as the Elections Act 1958, the Election Offences Act 1954, the Election Petition Rules 1954, the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981, the Elections (Registration of Electors) Regulations 2002, and the Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations 2003, among others. Elections are held mainly to elect members to the House of Representatives at the federal level and the Legislative Assemblies of States at the state level.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Federal Constitution, Elections, Electoral System.
Subjects:	K Law > K3165 Constitutional Law
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws > Department of Civil Law Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws
Depositing User:	Dr. Muhamad Hassan Ahmad
Date Deposited:	13 Mar 2023 15:31
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2023 15:31
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/103974

Actions (login required)

View Item