Sabah’s state election sees record 596 candidates for 73 seats, raising questions about democratic health versus political instability
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s state election has drawn a record 596 candidates competing for 73 state legislative assembly seats.
This represents a significant increase from the 447 candidates who contested in the 2020 state polls.
The Tulid seat features the most crowded contest with 14 candidates, followed by 13-cornered fights in Bandau, Tamparuli, Inanam and Kapayan.
Banggi and Moyog constituencies will see 12-cornered tussles, while Senallang and Merotai have four-cornered contests.
Institute for Development Studies CEO Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said the candidate surge reflects both democratic openness and potential challenges.
“Theoretically, many candidates means the people have more choices and this is a feature of a healthy democracy,” he told Bernama.
“However, we must also realise that too many candidates can also cause votes to be split and confuse voters.”
He noted 24 political parties and 74 independent candidates are participating, including those from the Black Wave movement.
The phenomenon indicates voter dissatisfaction with existing parties and desire for new alternatives.
Ramzah cautioned that reform votes could split, potentially benefiting the ruling party.
Sabah averages 8.2 candidates per seat compared to Sarawak’s 4.3 candidates per seat in 2021.
About 62% of candidates lost their deposits in the 2020 election, indicating many lacked strong grassroots support.
“These statistics show that not all those contesting stand an actual chance of winning,” Ramzah said.
Borneo Institute researcher Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Noor Yazid questioned whether crowded contests indicate healthy democracy or political instability.
“Only two seats have four-cornered fights, while some have up to 14-cornered contests,” he noted.
“Candidates will have a headache choosing their candidates and need to do very careful research.”
He expressed concern that multi-cornered fights don’t reflect political maturity seen in developed nations.
Fragmented voting patterns might elect representatives not because they’re the best but due to vote splitting.
Mohd Noor referenced the 2018 election where no party gained majority, resulting in two chief ministers.
“That led to the state having two Chief Ministers,” he recalled.
“No party had a majority – that’s what caused all the chaos.”
Polling is scheduled for November 29 with early voting on November 25. – Bernama
