In preparation for the upcoming State Elections , Rise of Sarawak Efforts  (R.O.S.E.) a local civil society organisation working on free and fair elections and rural community transformation  has started training citizens and members of the public to serve as Polling and/or Counting Agents in the coming elections.

Since July 2015 we have trained about 180 persons during our monthly training workshops. Our PACA (Polling/Counting Agent) trainings are fun & interactive and utilizes video clips and role-plays to enable better learnings. Anyone over the age of 21 years are eligible ; not necessary to be registered voters, to attend these PACA trainings.

Our objective for these trainings is to educate citizens and voters on the electoral process and to enable them to participate in the process as a Polling or Counting Agent in the polling room were the votes are counted. It offers first –time voters a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look and feel of the election process.  

Participants will learn the importance of the role of a PA/CA in the Polling room or stream; amongst other they will learn how to protect voter secrecy & minimize spoilt votes as well as ensuring that only those who are on the electoral roll get the right to vote!

Once trained they will be fully equipped to volunteer with whichever candidate or political party that they choose to help. We only ask that they promote free and fair elections.

R.O.S.E. is a citizen-driven civil society made up entirely of volunteers, whose vision is to build a community where ordinary citizens/voters  can and are empowered to participate or engage  in making Malaysia a better democracy than what we now see.

The classes are conducted by volunteer trainers/facilitators and are free for all to attend, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation.

Coming up is a workshop in Kuching on Saturday the 12^th March 2016 from 1.30 pm to 6.00 pm to be held at Mastermind Learning Centre, Sublot13 ( First Floor) of Lot 146, Jalan Green (directly behind Petronas Petrol Station).  It will be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia with mix of English. Workshop is FOC but interested participants must pre-register by contacting Ann Teo at 016-8604998 by the 10^th March. Another workshop will be in Klang Valley on Sunday 13^th March 2016 from 1.30 pm-6.30 pm at Reapfield Academy, Unit 22-3, Jalan PJU 8/3a, Damansara Perdana, KL.  Members of the public may pre-register by emailing [email protected]

Readers can check out more about the activities of R.O.S.E. by visiting our website at  http://www.sarawakrose.org  or liking our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sarawakrose/ to get our updates.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/03/10/training-for-polling-and-counting-agents/

The Star Metro (Community)

Thursday, 10th March 2016