KL watchdog cites poll irregularities

KL watchdog cites poll irregularities

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): An independent group monitoring Malaysia's general elections on Monday said it had received complaints of irregularities and alleged that the polls were not fair.

The Permantau watchdog group said it had received complaints from voters in several parts of the country that there was wax over the section of ballot sheets devoted to the opposition.

"The wax on ballot papers is quite widespread before lunch," Permantau president Kamar Ainiah Kamaruzaman told Reuters.

Kamar Ainiah said some voters complained their names were missing from the electoral rolls although they had voted in previous elections.

"Our phones have not stopped ringing. Many are upset. People are given the run around because the electoral lists are so unreliable," she said.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's 14-party coalition took an early lead in the counting, winning six of the first seven seats declared in the 193-member lower house of parliament.

The winner was expected before midnight (11 p.m. Jakarta time). The final tally was not expected before early Tuesday.