An EC personnel holds a sample of the nomination papers. The forms will be available until Sunday evening, at RM20 per set.
KUCHING: The number of nomination forms being snapped up could be an indication of a record total of candidates contesting in the 11th state election, to be held this May 7.
As at 5pm on Friday, 971 forms were sold.
According to Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah, 124 nomination forms were picked up by representatives of candidates contesting in constituencies across Kuching Division, followed by 178 forms for Sibu, 172 for Miri and 54 for Sri Aman.
The EC headquarters here distributed the highest number of nomination papers, totalling 443.
The forms are still available for purchase at the EC office in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar here until 5pm today, at RM20 per set.
Hashim said the nomination process tomorrow (April 25) at all EC nomination centres would only take one hour — 9am to 10am — with no objection period this time around as the candidates would be announced immediately after closing, upon the finalisation of their registration.
He added that the official campaigning period would start after closing of nomination till the midnight of May 6.
“So far, the Sarawak general elections have always been peaceful and we hope the people could maintain this clean record. Both sides of supporters have always conduct themselves in good manner during nomination day, abiding to the election etiquette and regulations.
“Even in the last by-election in Balingian, supporters from both camps had shown solidarity. They were polite and in good spirits with one another. It was a friendly atmosphere,” he said during a press conference at EC office here yesterday.
Hashim said to ensure a smooth nomination process tomorrow, he advised supporters against coming in large numbers, and also for all accompanying parties and political leaders to remain within 50m vicinity outside any nomination centre. “Only the candidates, proposers and seconders are allowed into the nomination centre.”
Payment of the RM5,000 election deposit, either in cash or bank draft, could also be made before the nomination day. The same would also apply to the RM3,000 deposit for display of campaign materials.
“Section 24A of the Election Offences Act 1954 refrains the gathering crowds from using loud speakers to carry out political talks during nomination day. Any party violating the provision under this Section could face imprisonment up to one year, or a fine of RM3,000, or both,” he cautioned, reminding all to adhere to election rules and regulations, as police would not hesitate to take strict measures against those out to disrupt public order during the election process.
In the 2011 state election, there were 211 candidates contesting in 71 constituencies.
The coming polls will present 82 constituencies, following the addition of 11 new ones due to the redelineation exercise last year.
Barisan Nasional (BN) will field candidates in all constituencies, including 13 direct candidates.
PKR eyes 40 seats and DAP, 30. Debutant Parti Amanah Neagar (Amanah) is set to contest in 13 seats, while PAS will field 11 candidates.
This time, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Baru and State Reform Party (STAR) are also joining the fray.
The press conference yesterday was also attended by state EC director Datu Takun Sunggah.