Malaysia to use indelible ink to curb poll fraud

Malaysia's election authorities say some 12 million voters will have their fingers stained with indelible ink in general elections widely expected next year as part of reforms to curb fraud.

The Election Commission also said Monday that police and military personnel would be allowed to cast their ballot two to three days in advance. Previously, they voted by post but critics said the ballot papers could be easily rigged.

The moves come five months after tens of thousands of people staged one of the country's largest street rallies in nearly four years to demand electoral transparency.

Critics have accused Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition, which has governed since 1957, of manipulating the law to remain in power.