BINTULU, Oct 20: A total of nine candidate nomination forms have been purchased for the Jepak by-election as of today.
In a news report by TVS, the Election Commission (EC) also informed that no early voting centres will be operational on Oct 31.
The manager of the Jepak by-election, Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey explained that early voters, which include 43 eligible policemen, will cast their votes using the postal ballot system.
“For this by-election, there will be no early voting. We are exclusively using postal voting. The postal voting process will be overseen by officers through the provided system,” he said when met by reporters while leading a simulation programme held at the Bintulu Auditorium, here today in preparation for Nomination Day for Jepak by-election.
Commenting on the EC’s readiness for the by-election, Abang Zainuddin assured that they have made comprehensive and adequate preparations to ensure a smooth nomination day, scheduled for tomorrow (Oct 21).
So far, three Sarawak-based political parties have confirmed their participation in the by-election.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has officially named the former National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak director Iskandar Turkee, 54, as its candidate.
Parti Aspiration Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) has put forward Bintulu businessman Chieng Lea Phing, aged 64, as its candidate, while Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has re-nominated 42-year-old businessman Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Sibu to contest the seat.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its six-term incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who had held the seat since 1996 and passed away on Sept 15, 2023, at the age of 72 due to health complications.
In the 2021 Sarawak Election, Talib retained the Jepak seat with 6,277 votes, defeating PSB’s Rabaáh Tudin (2,034 votes), PBK’s Stevenson (587 votes), and independent candidate Tuah Kazan (141 votes).
The EC has fixed Oct 21 as the Nomination Day, with polling day set for Nov 4. — DayakDaily
