KUCHING, May 21 — Bersih 2.0 hopes to have better response from Sarawakians when it calls for volunteers during the state polls that is due in 2021.

Its vice-chairman, Ann Teo, said the election reform watchdog hoped to start preparations early for the state election, especially in recruiting volunteers.

"The response to civil liberties movement in Sarawak has always been dismal,” she told reporters here this morning.

She said Bersih 2.0 could only cover the Stampin parliamentary seat in the recent 14th general election and even then, it only had five observers.

There are 31 parliamentary seats and 81 state constituencies in Sarawak.

Teo hoped Bersih 2.0 will be accredited by the Election Commission (EC) as an observer in the state polls to be a more effective monitor.

She questioned the ability of the five local communal associations which were accredited by EC for the May 9 federal election.

"I want to see to what they have to say about the election. Bersih has the experience and we hope to be accredited in future polls.”

Bersih 2.0 recorded 32 complaints on election offences in Sarawak, the majority of which are in Stampin.

The complaints included vote buying, difficulties in registration, problems with early voting, giftings, meals, undue influences and the use of government machinery in campaigns.

Teo said Bersih 2.0 chose to focus on Stampin because of its limited manpower, and because of the close fight in the 13th general election where the Opposition lost by a narrow vote-margin.

Stampin saw a contest between Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who is also state DAP chairman, and Sarawak United People’s Party president, Datuk Dr Sim Hui Kian.

Chong garnered 33,060 votes to win with a majority of 14,221 votes.

Teo said there were five complains of vote-buying which she had witnessed personally, but was unable provide any evidence to support her claim when asked.

She also found fault with Batu Kitang assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang, who is Padawan Municipal Council chairman, for campaigning outside a polling centre.

Teo hoped the authorities will investigate Bersih 2.0’s claims. She also urged the federal government to set up a special commission to reform the country’s electoral system.