PD polls: Hive of activity on nomination day

PORT DICKSON: It's a bright and sunny morning here in Port Dickson as candidates get ready to file their nomination papers for the Oct 13 by-election.

Supporters of the various candidates had arrived at Batu 1 Jalan Pantai which is the main gathering ground as early as 7am Saturday to accompany their choice of leaders to the nomination centre at the Port Dickson Municipal Council hall.

Convoys of Pakatan Harapan supporters accompanied by outriders and marshals were also seen heading from Seremban along the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway to the resort town.

The main gathering spot at a field just outside the District and Land office here was a hive of activity as buses brought in supporters wearing party uniforms and broad smiles.

A police helicopter was also seen hovering above the area to monitor the situation.

Lion and dragon dance troupes in colourful attire as well as a group playing traditional Hindu music also kept the crowd entertained with their performances.

Stalls selling breakfast and musical equipment such as vuvuzelas were also seen doing brisk business.

Policemen were also seen manning certain sections of the stretch heading to the nomination centre as traffic began building up.

Also present were DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and Parti Amanah Negara communications director Khalid Samad.

To date, eight candidates are expected to file their nomination papers.

Among those confirmed contesting are PKR president designate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Tan Sri Isa Samad Lieutenant Col (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar, Anwar's former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan, social media personality Stevie Chan.

However, more aspirants are expected to join in the fray.

Pakatan won the seat in the May 9 general election through its candidate Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdulla in a three cornered fight.

The seat was a Barisan Nasional stronghold prior to the 2008 general election.