Monday May 6, 2013

GE13: Anwar - We’ll not accept results until Election Commission's explanation

Demanding answers: Anwar gesturing during the press conference in One World hotel. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Pakatan Rakyat will not accept the results of the polls until the Election Commission (EC) explains the alleged instances of irregularities in the electoral process.

“It is unfair to expect us to form a decision based primarily on the results of an election that is considered fraudulent,” the Opposition leader said at a press conference here yesterday.

Anwar, who was flanked by Pakatan top leaders, had earlier presented several instances of alleged fraud captured on camera, which he said was evidence of Barisan Nasional's underhand tactics.

He asserted that Pakatan would challenge the results of hotly contested seats in which its candidates lost by a margin of between 1,000 and 2,000 votes.

He cited irregularities with regards to advance and postal voters, presence of foreigners in the electoral roll, and delays by the EC in announcing the tally in Shah Alam, Permatang Pauh, Lembah Pantai and Kuantan.

When asked to clarify his earlier tweet that Pakatan had won the election, Anwar refused to elaborate, saying any official results should come from the EC.

Anwar appealed to supporters to remain calm. “However, they must voice their protests loudly, but don't do anything to cause instability,” he said.

Anwar also said Pakatan would wait for an official response from the EC over the claims before considering the next course of action.

He dismissed talk of his retirement from active politics if Pakatan failed to capture Putrajaya, saying that this would only be answered following EC's clarification.

The mood at the One World hotel where the conference was held was sombre.

There were no cheers of victory with regards to Pakatan's success in defending its states while making inroads in Barisan strongholds.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua disregarded the fact that DAP had been victorious in Penang as proof that there was no cheating by the EC.

“Cheating doesn't mean they are going to take everything. It happened.”

For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site

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