882 polling centres open across Sabah for state election, with 596 candidates contesting 73 seats amid weather concerns and expected 60% turnout.
KOTA KINABALU: Polling has commenced for Sabah’s 17th state election following 14 days of intense campaigning.
All 882 polling centres comprising 3,559 streams opened at 7.30 am, giving 1.74 million registered voters the opportunity to choose a new state government.
The polling centres will close in stages beginning at 12 noon, with all scheduled to cease operations by 5.30 pm.
A total of 596 candidates from 22 political parties, along with 73 Independents, are contesting 73 state seats.
Among the most fiercely contested seats is Tulid with 14 candidates, followed by Bandau, Tamparuli and Inanam with 13 candidates each, and Banggi with 12.
The Election Commission has advised voters to cast their ballots early to avoid inconvenience from unpredictable weather conditions.
Rain is forecast in several areas this morning, with thunderstorms expected over the interior this afternoon.
Further rainfall is also forecast for several areas this evening.
The EC expects voter turnout to exceed 60%, weather permitting.
The turnout in the 2020 state election was 66.61%.
The EC expects to announce preliminary voting results at around 10 pm, depending on weather conditions.
Efforts will be made to ensure results are released by midnight.
Employers are reminded to allow employees reasonable time off to vote, with today declared a public holiday.
Voters are reminded that mobile phones are not allowed inside polling stations and must be placed in designated areas.
They are advised not to hand over their identity cards to anyone other than authorised election officials. – Bernama
