Sarawak Polls: EC advises candidates to fill up forms and pay deposit before nomination day

KUCHING: Individuals planning to contest in the 12th Sarawak state election are advised to check with the State Election Office or the returning officers in their respective areas on the filling of candidate registration forms before nomination day.

Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said this was to facilitate the nomination process, and added that candidates were also advised to pay their deposit early.

“It should be noted that the payment receipt must be brought on nomination day as proof of payment.

"This is to ensure that all processes for the nomination can be completed earlier and run smoothly," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 3).

The EC has set Monday (Dec 6) as nomination day with polling on Dec 18. Early voting is on Dec 14.

Meanwhile, Ikmalrudin said only the candidates, their proposers and seconders would be allowed to enter nomination centres on Monday.

“Nomination papers may be submitted from 9am to 10am to the returning officer at the 82 centres this Monday.

"The papers may be submitted by the candidate, proposer and supporter; or any two of them; or any one of them,” he said.

Candidates representing political parties are reminded to bring along the letter of permission from their respective party and submit it with the nomination papers, he added.

Ikmalrudin also said gatherings and processions would not be allowed on nomination day and advised all quarters, as well as political parties, to abide by the laws, rules, regulations and instructions issued by the EC, the Royal Malaysia Police, Health Ministry, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee and local authorities to ensure a smooth and safe nomination process. – Bernama