Only five top leaders from contesting parties will be allowed into the state during the campaigning period.
The list of designated party leaders who will travel to the state must be submitted to the state’s disaster management committee.
Ceramahs will only be allowed in 64 constituencies that do not have internet coverage.
Even then, the ceramahs are limited to two hours and can only be held behind closed doors.
These were among the conditions listed in the official Sarawak elections campaign SOPs released today by the EC.
Police permission must also be obtained before any event is held, and it cannot be held in public areas.
Food must be pre-packed if it is served.
In Melaka, where state elections were held last month, ceramahs were banned entirely.
House visits are allowed in the Sarawak elections but participants must not enter the premises, and no more than three fully vaccinated campaigners can be present. All must have undergone an RTK-Ag test first.
All those involved in campaigning must undergo an RTK-Ag test every two days, and can only participate if they test negative.
Campaigners must remain within their own constituencies and cannot cross constituencies to campaign.
However, each party can select 15 top leaders who are allowed to move between constituencies. This list must be passed to the state’s disaster management committee and the EC.
Party meetings can be held at 50% capacity and all participants must be fully vaccinated. The meetings must be kept to under two hours and cannot be held more than four times a week.
For nomination day, only the candidates, proposers and seconders are allowed into the nomination centre. No other party representatives or supporters are allowed. Gatherings and marches are also not allowed.
If a candidate, proposer or seconder exhibits symptoms, the entire group will be brought to a special tent where protocols are in place to safely accept the nomination.
Parties are allowed to set up one main operations centre and up to five smaller ones. The former is limited to 50% capacity or 20 people, whichever is fewer, while the latter is capped at 50%, or 10 people.
Polling day
On polling day, voters showing symptoms can vote in a designated area. They must wear double masks and don rubber gloves before voting.
Persons under investigation or surveillance can apply for special permission to vote from their district health office. If permitted, they will be placed in special tents to vote and must take private transportation to the voting centre.
Press conferences and interviews at polling centres on voting day will be organised by the EC to ensure physical distancing. Spontaneous interviews are not allowed.
All media members must be fully vaccinated and not exhibit any symptoms.
Reviewing of ballot boxes once polls close must take place in stages, with just two election officials allowed to be present at any time.
Media personnel are not allowed to attend.
For the official tallying and announcement of results, the winning candidate may bring five supporters. Unsuccessful candidates will be allowed three supporters.
Celebrations of any kind are not allowed.