Kota kinabalu: Sabah is gearing up for the 17th State Election (PRN) as all campaigning activities conclude tonight at 11.59 pm. The candidates and political parties have utilized the last 14 days, since November 15, to engage with the 1.76 million registered voters who will decide the future leadership of their constituencies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 882 polling centres across Sabah, comprising 3,558 polling streams, will start operations at 7.30 am, closing at staggered times between 12 pm and 5.30 pm. Earlier this week, 17,615 early voters, including police and military personnel and their spouses, fulfilled their voting duties.
The Election Commission (EC) has prepared extensively for this significant event, appointing 25 returning officers supported by 196 assistant returning officers. The state election is projected to cost RM116.8 million and will see the deployment of over 12,000 police personnel to ensure the voting process proceeds smoothly.
The EC anticipates early results to be available by around 10 pm, though this will depend on weather conditions. The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecasted rain in several parts of Sabah in the morning, with thunderstorms expected in interior areas during the afternoon, and additional rain predicted for some areas at night.
The election is expected to be highly competitive, particularly in the Tulid constituency, where 14 candidates are contesting. Other fierce contests include Bandau, Tamparuli, and Inanam with 13 candidates each, and Banggi with 12.
Overall, 596 candidates, including 525 men and 71 women, are vying for 73 seats. Independent candidates form the largest group with 74, followed by Warisan with 73, Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) with 72, and several other parties including GRS, STAR, BN, and others comprising the remaining candidates.
After the nomination period closed on November 15, Pakatan Harapan (PH) confirmed its participation in 22 seats. However, Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan from PKR withdrew his candidacy in Silam two days later. The EC clarified that his withdrawal is not allowed under current regulations, leaving his name on the ballot as PH's candidate.
Several other parties, such as Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS), Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri), and Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS), among others, are also in the fray, making this election a diverse and pivotal event for Sabah's political landscape.