Melaka — the real challenge

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From Chandra Muzaffar

There is an unusual election happening in Melaka. It is an election without any of the conventional features of an election campaign.

There are no organised house-to-house visits; no small-group meetings; no large-scale public gatherings. Walkabouts are prohibited. Campaigning in public spaces is not allowed.

However, candidates can put across their messages online. They can use both the print and electronic media to campaign to their heart’s content.

WhatsApp and Twitter and other such channels, including the telephone, have all become popular means of communication.


The people have accepted restrictions imposed upon them because they are aware of the risks and dangers associated with the coronavirus pandemic. No one — and least of all the candidates — wants to see another surge in serious infections or contend with an alarming escalation in Covid-19 deaths.

So, everyone is prepared to put up with an election shorn of the central elements of a democratic contest.

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