Nomination process begins for Sabah’s 17th state election with 73 seats contested, 14-day campaign period and 9,300 police personnel deployed.
KOTA KINABALU: The nomination process for Sabah’s 17th state election commences today across 25 nomination centres.
Prospective candidates have from 9 am to 10 am to submit their nomination papers before returning officers announce eligible contenders for all 73 state seats.
A 14-day campaign period follows, concluding at 11.59 pm on November 28.
The Election Commission has urged political parties and supporters to maintain public order and avoid provocation during nominations.
Twenty-five returning officers and 196 assistant returning officers have been appointed to oversee the election process.
Police have identified 15 hotspots requiring heightened security, particularly around Kota Kinabalu and the east coast.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed deployment of personnel from various units including the Criminal Investigation Department.
A total of 9,300 police personnel will be stationed throughout Sabah during the election period.
Some 4,300 officers will manage nomination centres, traffic control, and secure administrative buildings including Istana Seri Kinabalu.
Early voting is scheduled for November 25, with polling day set for November 29.
The electoral roll comprises 1,784,843 eligible voters including regular electors, military personnel and police with their spouses.
PKR has announced 10 candidates and DAP seven under the Pakatan Harapan banner.
Barisan Nasional will contest 45 seats while Gabungan Rakyat Sabah fields candidates in 55 constituencies through component parties.
Warisan, PPRS and Parti Impian Sabah are contesting all 73 state seats.
Perikatan Nasional will compete in 41 constituencies while STAR and KDM contest 40 seats each.
Other parties include UPKO (25 seats), Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (26), SAPP (six) and 17 independent candidates under the “Black Wave” banner. – Bernama
