MAFREL training session a success

… yes, the training session  was a success, despite starting late and behind time, and being a bit disorganised (apology to the attendees!).

the turnout was tremendous. about 100 80 persons turned up! and i think about 50 committed to be observers on polling day. hurray! watch out jelutong, tanjung, bukit gelugor – you’ll be seeing MAFREL observers around.

tuan syed ibrahim, MAFREL’s vice chairman (picture) started off with topics on ‘observation framework onf 12th malaysia general election (MGE 12)’ which covers:
– MAFREL: introduction, objectives and activities
– election in malaysia: problems and challenges
– election observation mission and assignment of MGE 12
– target constituencies, criteria and observation methodology

then he also covered the election dynamics and observation issues.

after his talk,  MAFREL northern region coordinator, ong, took over and he started with registration of observers. this took quite a long time as there were quite a lot of ‘red tape’ to do. SPR wanted 4 passport size photos and a photocopy IC of the observers, and of course they need to fill in a form from SPR – 4 copies of it. then there is also the MAFREL volunteers form to be filled in.

many of those had not brought along the photos and photocopied IC, so they need to have their photos taken right there, and also their IC photocopied. all this took up time (not forgetting photocopying SPR forms).

the SPR form and photos are very essential as they are for the preparation of  the SPR pass, so that the observers can enter the polling centres.

a coordinator was appointed for each of the 3 constituencies (tanjung, jelutong, buikt gelugor) and those who choose to observe at whichever constituencies will be under them.

lots of work for the coordinators to do, i see. they have to find out the polling centres, then assign the volunteers where to go.

after the registration exercise was over, ong gave a briefing on the observation methodology and documentation. it is important for all the observers to know the what and how during the observation mission.

ok i’m looking forward to polling day as this year’s GE will be different for me from all the other GE. all other GE, i only voted and did nothing else. this time, i will vote for sure but will also be part of the election watchdog, MAFREL, observing at polling centres. it’s exciting!