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Promise, Peril in Malaysia's Move to Lower Voting Age

Zsombor Peter

   BANGKOK - Parties on either side of Malaysia's deep political divide
   are hoping to capitalize on a bipartisan bill to lower the country's
   voting age from 21 to 18, a move likely to swell the ranks of eligible
   voters.

   The sudden influx of first-time voters, however, could also backfire on
   either side and risks amplifying some of Malaysia's thorniest political
   problems, analysts and observers warn.

   Malaysia's lower house on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the
   constitutional amendment, which would not only lower the voting age but
   automatically register citizens as they come of age. Together, the
   changes could boost the country's voter rolls 50 percent by the time of
   the next general election in 2023.

   The Senate must vote on the measure in 30 days and is expected to add
   its endorsement, fulfilling a campaign promise of the ruling Pakatan
   Harapan coalition, which ended Barisan Nasional's six-decade run in
   power in an election upset last year. The measure will also bring
   Malaysia's voting age in line with most countries.

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