KUCHING, Oct 24: The Election Commission (EC) has issued 73 postal ballot papers to eligible electors and police personnel for the Jepak by-election.
In a statement issued today, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said the postal ballot papers were issued by election officers appointed by the Returning Officer yesterday (Oct 23).
“The postal ballot papers issued consist of 70 for Category 1A (election officers and police personnel), one postal ballot paper for Category 1B (Malaysian residing abroad), and two for Category 1C (agencies and organisations),” he said.
Due to this, no early voting centres will open on Oct 31. Polling day is scheduled to take place on Nov 4.
Ikmalrudin said the postal ballot papers were issued in the presence of postal ballot agents from all the contesting candidates.
The EC further reminded postal voters to mark the ballot paper appropriately, fill in the identity declaration form (Form 2) completely and correctly, and immediately return the ballot paper to the Returning Officer concerned before 5pm on Nov 4.
“Voters are also reminded to keep their votes confidential by not taking photos of the postal ballot papers and posting them on social media sites.”
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15, 2023.
The by-election will see a three-corner fight for the seat among Iskandar Turkee from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Chieng Lea Phing from Parti Aspiration Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi), and Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK). — DayakDaily
