Record breaking state election

0

10th state election records highest number of candidates, most number of independent candidates and no uncontested victory

KUCHING: The 10th Sarawak state election recorded three new historical records – highest number of candidates at 213, the most number of independent candidates – 41 – and no uncontested victory.

Of the 71 state constituencies, Balai Ringin and Belaga each received six nominations followed by Ngemah and Jepak with five contestants each. These four are rural seats.

The rest are 27 straight fights, 23 (three-cornered battles) and 17 (four-cornered struggles).

As usual, Barisan Nasional (BN) is contesting in all 71 seats while Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidates stand in 49 constituencies, independent (41), Sarawak National Party (SNAP) – 26, Democratic Action Party (DAP) – 15, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) – 6 and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) – 5.

As many as 197 candidates are male and SNAP is the only party not nominating any female candidate.

Election Commission (SPR) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof yesterday disclosed that 32 protests had been received during the one-hour objection period from 10am. However, only one objection was accepted.

In the 2006 state election, BN won Daro and Dalat uncontested. This time round, four candidates are fighting for Daro while Dalat incumbent Datin Fatimah Abdullah has to defeat two other candidates to keep her seat. Under the Election Offences Act 1954, candidates are allowed to campaign until midnight April 15.

“I urge all political parties and independent candidates to comply with the rules and regulations.

“I hope that they would also respect the enforcement squads who had been entrusted to ensure a smooth run of the polls,” said Aziz.