FUNCTIONS OF ELECTION IN MALAYSIA

 Functions of Elections

Author: Afifah, Aiman, Nureen, Aleeya, Iman, & Syakir

Elections are the process by which a country selects their leader or elected representatives to carry out their governmental tasks and be accountable towards its citizens. Malaysia is one of the countries that follows a parliamentary democracy system, in which the people elect a leader to rule the country.

There are several function of election. One of them is that elections play their role by maintaining the practice of a democratic system. This is because, Malaysia adopts a system of parliamentary democracy. Elections also illustrate that a democratic administration is supported by a large number of people. This is shown by the large number of people that voted in the election. Election voting can also help to prevent violence. Therefore, the parliamentary democracy system also has several advantages such as democracy can create a spirit of cooperation in uniting the people as well as democracy can give the people the right to choose a government that is credible and fair in governing the country.

Elections, on the other hand, are a way of determining who will control the country. Individuals who are elected or who have won an election will be in charge of the country's government and will be responsible to the public. Furthermore, a leader can create a policy that is obeyed by the people. This will result in a country that is both safe and peaceful. On the other hand, if the government at the time failed to effectively manage the country, it would be ousted in the following election.

Additionally, the function of elections is to provide an opportunity for the people to elect leaders. They are open to choose anyone that have been register in election. It is because they have right to choose who they want as their leader and it shows that their vote is their voice. Through the voting process, the people have the right to have a say and also the spirit of unity in electing elected representatives. Voters must select good election candidates or leaders who will provide the best possible service to the people.  This will help to avoid the country's economic downturn and so on. Choosing a leader who is good and fair in carrying out his duties has a significant impact on the community's and people' lives in the future.

Fourth, elections help to ensure that the country is run fairly. A leader's trust and responsibilities must be fulfilled with integrity, and he must prevent terrible things from happening. For example, leaders must maintain a positive attitude toward the people by avoiding from engaging in corruption, fraud, or breach of trust while in charge of the country. Therefore, voters should select great leaders over those who misuse their power. Good morals, noble character, have a high degree of knowledge, have experience in managing the administration of the country and have a good level of health are all characteristics that a good leader must possess.

Lastly, elections provide political education to the young or youth. Political education is important to young people before they get involved with the politics. In the Sinar Harian newspaper, Sabah Youth Council (MBS) President Ahmad Farid Sainuri said "Knowledge related to politics is very important to inculcate in the youth because when they are successfully elected as elected representatives, they have to carry out great responsibilities well." He said. Those in charge and responsible in this situation should conduct campaigns or activities related to democracy or politics to the youth. This can produce more youth candidates who are mature and efficient in politics to carry out their responsibilities as leaders.

Last but not least, elections serve as the basis of selecting who will control the country, allowing citizens to choose leaders, maintaining the practice of a democratic system, ensuring that the country is administered fairly, and providing political education to youngster and youth. Elections are very important for every citizen to fulfill their responsibilities as a voter. To ensure political stability and create people who are faithful to the leader, every person must pay attention to current politics and become participated in voting leaders.

References

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