Teluk Intan by-election: EC baffled by lower turnout

 TELUK INTAN: The parliamentary by-election recorded the second lowest voter turnout in five by-elections held after the 13th general election (GE13).

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was unhappy with the reduction of more than 8,000 voters compared to the voter turnout during GE13.

"We don't know the reason for the low turnout. However, it is a process of democracy and we have opened centres for polling," he told reporters at the vote tally centre at SMK Abdul Rahman Talib, here.

The Teluk Intan by-election recorded 66.67 percent voter turnout or 40,236 voters, including ordinary voters, early voters and absentee voters.

During GE13, 80.7 per cent or 48,839 people went to the polls in Teluk Intan.

Prior to this, Bukit Gelugor by-election recorded 56 percent, Kuala Besut by-election (82 percent), Sungai Limau by-election (85 percent), Balingian by-election (72 percent) and Kajang by-election (72.1 percent).

For Teluk Intan by-election, the polling station with the highest turnout was SK Sg Kerawai with 76 percent while SK Ulu Bernam recorded the lowest turnout with 45.78 percent.

Abdul Aziz was however happy because the Teluk Intan by-election proceeded smoothly.

He reminded the political party that wins tonight not to hold a victory parade in Teluk Intan.

"I hope the party leaders can remind their supporters of this," he added.

Barisan Nasional's Datuk Mah Siew Keong won the seat in a straight fight with Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud of DAP.

Mah secured 20,157 votes to Dyana Sofya's 19,919 votes and there were 543 spoilt votes.