I APPLAUD the work of the Parliamentary Select Committee on electoral reforms, members of which came from both sides of the political divide, and also the Election Commission panel for agreeing to implement a number of their recommendations immediately ("Minimum 10-day campaign period" -- NST, April 20).
A significant change is fair access to the media for all political parties. It is also pleasing to note that steps are being taken to clean up the electoral roll. These are signs of a mature democracy.
I suggest that party hopping be made illegal as this is a despicable act of betrayal of voters, the majority of whom vote for a party rather than an individual.
Members of parliament who wish to leave the party on whose ticket they contested should resign from their post. They should not be even allowed to remain as an independent. This change would prevent bribery, money politics and accusations of such acts.
The commission should consider lowering the voting age to 18. Since 18-year-olds are allowed driving licences and to get married and raise families, why should they be denied the right to vote?
Dr Peter Joseph Pereira, Shah Alam, Selangor
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