MELAKA (Bernama): Candidates who test positive for Covid-19 will not be prevented from contesting in the Melaka state election, says Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh.

       However, he said candidates' nomination papers should be submitted within the allocated time through their proposer or seconder.

       "There is no problem for them to contest, as long as they submit the nomination forms on time," he told Bernama at Menara Persekutuan here on Sunday (Nov 7).

       He said Covid-19 screening for candidates was encouraged but not mandatory.

       Meanwhile, Abdul Ghani said to ensure a smooth nomination process, the EC had also set up special tents at nomination centres should a candidate turn up with Covid-19 symptoms.

       "This tent will be managed by Health Ministry and EC personnel. At the main entrance of the nomination centre, candidates' body temperatures will be checked and if the reading is above 37.5°C, they will be directed to the tent," said Abdul Ghani.

       He said checking and submission of candidates' nomination forms would be managed by EC officers on duty at the tents.

       Some 12,900 workers from various agencies including the Health Ministry, police and local authorities would be involved in the Melaka Election.

       "Of the number, 1,460 are from the police and 806 are Health Ministry staff. We hope all supporters of contesting political parties will not gather or hold processions near the nomination centre and abide by all standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said. – Bernama