The electoral reform group said that such a requirement, which had never been heard before in the history of polls in the country, is not based on any law and restricts the freedom to campaign.

“It is unreasonable for the police to impose unnecessary rules to restrict the campaigning methods of a candidate, more so when these rules are set midway during the campaigning period.

“With the short campaign period, the requirement to apply for permits to go door-to-door is unreasonable and unfair to the candidates,” it said in a statement.

The requirement has since been panned by Umno leaders. Barisan Nasional candidate Wee Jeck Seng said he would rework his campaign strategy for the next three days.

Bersih went on to say that police could not go beyond the limits set out in Section 24B, Election Offences Act 1954.

The section stipulates that candidates only require a permit for meetings, rallies or organising entertainment programmes featuring speeches or lectures.

“In fact, Bersih 2.0 proposes that provisions on the need for police permits for political talks, under the Election Offences Act 1954, be also abolished in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.”

Yesterday, EC chairman Azhar Harun said apart from door-to-door canvassing, walkabouts are also considered a form of campaigning.

He said this followed a meeting with the Pontian police chief to clarify and coordinate issues related to permits and campaigning rules.