GPS stands good chance but logo recognition may be a challenge

SIBU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg should not have much problem winning a two-thirds majority in the Sarawak election, but faces a different set of challenges, says a political analyst.

National Council of Professors senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said these challenges include voter turnout and the lack of recognition of its logo.

“GPS has to ensure its logo is known to voters in rural areas, as well as elderly voters. This is the first time GPS as a new political entity is using its own logo,” he said.

He added that Parti Bumi Kenyalang has a logo that is similar, and that this could confuse some voters.

Both GPS and PBK logos feature the colours red and black, and the hornbill.

In the previous state election in 2016, GPS component parties – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – contested under the Barisan Nasional logo and won 61 of the 82 seats.

Another challenge for GPS in the 12th state election is voter turnout, said Jeniri.

“The turnout for the last state election was 70.1%.

“How will they ensure a turnout of at least 70% this time?

“(This is why) the Election Commission (EC) and Health Ministry need to formulate a clear standard operating procedure, and an effective hybrid strategy in campaigning is also important,” he said when contacted.

Jeniri added that the polls would probably be held either as early as Dec 4 or on Dec 18, which would give the EC more time to prepare.

If, however, the election is to take place this month, it would probably be on Nov 27.

He said a November election would be the first in the state’s history, while a December election would be the second after the polls in 1983.

Jeniri also spoke on Undi18, noting that the Opposition has been saying that GPS wants to avoid having the election after the implementation of automatic registration of new voters from Jan 1 next year with the voting age having been lowered too.

“There is no clear data or evidence to show that Undi18 will support the Opposition.

“The trend in previous state elections shows young voters supporting Barisan. In some areas, the support was at up to 94%.

“So, to say that Undi18 will give an advantage to the Opposition is just a perception, although there is a tendency in urban areas and among the Chinese community to vote for the Opposition,” he said.