Kimanis by-election - EC targets 70 pct voter turnout

The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a 70 percent voter turnout for the Kimanis parliamentary by-election.

The nomination process concluded earlier today and the by-election is a straight fight between Karim Bujang, 67, of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) and Mohamad Alamin, 48, of Barisan Nasional (BN).

Karim, 67, is the chief of the Kimanis Division of Warisan while Mohamad Alamin, 48, is the head of the Kimanis Division of Umno.

Early voting is on Jan 14 and polling on Jan 18.

EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun (photo, above) said the commission hoped Kimanis voters would exercise their right to vote in the by-election.

“The EC also urges all parties, especially the media to encourage voters to come out and vote on polling day,” he told a press conference after the nomination process at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Dun Banir.

Azhar Azizan also warned that campaign materials that had content that could incite the people, had racist elements or touched on religious sensitivities were strictly prohibited.

He said EC Election Campaign enforcement teams are empowered to remove such material.

“All ceramah (campaign rallies) must obtain a permit from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and PDRM has the powers to take action if a ceramah is held without a police permit,” he said.

Azhar Azizan added that the EC had appointed 80 election observers from 14 organisations involving government agencies, non-governmental organisations and eligible individuals to monitor the by-election.

He expects the results to be announced by 10pm on Jan 18.

Kimanis, made up of the state constituencies of Bongawan and Membakut, has 29,664 voters, comprising 29,654 regular voters, nine early voters and one overseas absentee voter.

The gender breakdown is 14,800 men and 14,864 women. Bongawan has 16,273 voters and Membakut 13,391.

Meanwhile, the nomination process for the Kimanis parliamentary by-election proceeded smoothly and was free of any untoward incidents, said Sabah police commissioner Omar Mammah.

"We also did not receive any complaints or reports during the course of the nomination process,” he said when met by the media at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Dun Banir, which served as the nomination centre.

He said there would be a 793-strong police presence, comprising 125 officers and 668 men, until polling day on Jan 18 and that additional personnel would be mobilised if required.

The commissioner also reminded the candidates, their agents and supporters to abide by directives issued by the authorities during the campaign period and on polling day.

"Do not engage in any provocation or enmity,” he said, adding they should refer to the Election Offences Act for guidance.

This included candidates and their parties getting permits from the police before conducting campaigns in public places.

- Bernama