A silent election

Try to imagine this scenario. Suddenly a rule is introduced prohibiting any form of election campaigning, whether general elections, national elections or by-elections.

The rule states that anyone campaigning, whether for themselves or a party, can be jailed for several years or fined hundreds of thousands of ringgit, or both. Additionally, a sentence of five or six lashes could also be imposed.

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Do not mistake yourself ; this author does not intend to create an authoritarian regime. These regimes, if they hold elections, usually campaign vigorously, even if the campaign is one-sided.

What this author tries to imagine always involves a democratic system. What makes things different is that the democratic practice of choosing leaders is not accompanied by usual practices.

There is no campaign period, no efforts to influence voters. Simply put, there is no campaign at all.

During the nomination, only the candidates, their nominators and their supporters could be present. Only election officials are allowed at the nomination center.

Journalists and photographers are completely banned.

Likewise, typical spectators are also prohibited. Once the nomination process is complete, everyone returns home to continue their daily activities.

Imagining such a scenario provides some relief. It’s like imagining an empty, quiet road in Kuala Lumpur or imagining being single again for a few days.

An election without a campaign would undoubtedly put us in a similar situation. There would be no need to feel uncomfortable seeing people hurl insults, level accusations, and allege wrongdoing. There is no need to listen to commitments and promises, most of which risk being forgotten.

Those living near fields or public halls used for rallies or speeches could sleep soundly every night without having to cover their ears.

The absence of election campaigns would reduce political tensions and also minimize disruption to daily routines.

Without campaigns, candidates and parties would not have to worry about financing. They would not need to struggle with budgetary allocations for logistics, machinery, equipment, campaign materials and everything else. Not all stakeholders offer their services for free. Until they get paid, their laughter will be forced.

The needs of voters must be taken into account because, for them, elections are a time to be pampered. It’s still okay if they only ask for a few sheets of zinc, but what if they ask for envelopes here and there? Not to mention all the opportunists lurking to take advantage of it.

Therefore, in the current political scenario, funds are very important during election campaigns. If election campaigns are not allowed, a lot of money can be saved and the problems of monetary policy and vote buying will not arise. Automatically, the elections would seem clear, but what would be the result?

Candidates who are already known may not have a problem. They can let their service records “campaign” in silence, but what about the new arrivals? Without campaigns, who would know them?

Ultimately, don’t be surprised if all the candidates are the same people, whose combined age would be higher than that of the Sultan Abdul Samad building.

Without campaigns, there would be no race to put forward the policies and aspirations of voters. No one would offer better than what already exists.

In addition to aiming to ensure the victory of the party and its candidates, the campaigns also aim to raise public awareness of the importance of voting.

Therefore, since 1955, there was the song “Undilah”, composed and sung by the late Datuk Zainal Alam. Likewise, the song “Marilah Mengundi” (1978).

In addition to songs, there are many other campaigns in various forms and media that support the same goal. Without campaigns, what would the attitude of voters be?

Their involvement would surely diminish. There is even a risk that they will lose interest and enthusiasm. It is therefore not impossible that the participation rate will fall.

In conclusion, campaigns are important. Without campaigns, politics would become rigid and lifeless. His appeal would diminish and his artistry would be lost.

The first victims would undoubtedly be the politicians. The losers would be ordinary people, the public, because without politicians, there would be no more artists.