PONTIAN: Low voter turnout does not mean that there is a lack of democracy in the state, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.

       Hasni said the important thing is that voters are free to cast their votes at all polling centres statewide without any interruptions.

       "Low voter turnout does not mean that there is less democracy. What is more important is that there are no restrictions for people to cast their votes.

       "The voting process has been smooth since morning and I am happy to see that. There were no incidents where voters were stopped from carrying out their responsibility.

       "Although the voter turn out as of 4pm is still low, where it is less than 50%, we expect the number to increase before voting time ends at 6pm," he said after casting his vote for the Pekan Nanas seat at SK Pengkalan Raja on Saturday (March 12).

       Hasni, who is also Barisan Nasional candidate for the Benut seat, said that fear of Covid-19 is one of the possible reasons for the low voter turnout, especially among the elderly.

       "Maybe there are those, especially senior citizens, who are worried about their health with Covid-19 still around.

       "Either way, we hope to see an increase in voter turnout,” he said.