KOTA KINABALU, Nov 14: All 25 nomination centres for the 17th Sabah State Election are fully prepared for tomorrow’s nomination day, which will determine contenders for 73 state seats in total.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun spent about an hour inspecting preparations at Dewan Sri Putatan in Putatan, the nomination centre for the Tanjung Keramat, Tanjung Aru and Petagas seats.
He told reporters that all nomination centres In the state were ready, with logistics, internet connectivity and returning officers (RO) training having been completed.
“Based on what I observed, the rehearsals went smoothly. We are fully prepared for the nomination process across all 73 seats,” he said.
In Tawau, assistant RO Jonah Pitah said preparations at the Tawau Community Hall, the nomination centre for Balung, Apas and Sri Tanjong, were running well.
“Work arrangements, facilities and security measures are in place. Police and Rela personnel are assisting with traffic control and safety outside the hall,” he said, adding that the Information Department, Water Department and Sabah Electricity were also providing logistical support.
In Kinabatangan, final preparations at Dewan Sri Lamag, the nomination centre for Kuamut, Lamag and Sukau seats have been completed, involving about 40 election workers.
RO Yuseri Ismail Yusof said a full rehearsal was carried out smoothly early today, ensuring their readiness for tomorrow.
“We prepared for more than a week in advance. Election workers will be at the nomination centre from 7 am and candidates are advised to submit their forms between 9 am and 10 am,” he said.
District police chief Supt Ravi Duraisamy said candidates’ representatives have been briefed on rules and procedures.
For the Sabah polls, the EC has set Nov 29 as polling day and Nov 25 for early voting. A total of 1,784,843 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1,760,417 regular electors, 11,697 military personnel and spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and spouses.
In Semporna, RO Mas Syazwan Masood said 34 sets of nomination forms for the state polls have been sold so far.
“Some candidates bought two or three sets as backup,” he said after a rehearsal at the Semporna Community Arena.
Meanwhile, acting Semporna police chief DSP Jaafar Hakim said nearly 300 officers from various units will be deployed on Saturday.
Party supporters will be confined to the Semporna district council field and separated to prevent untoward incidents.
— BERNAMA