Mahkota polls: Preparations for polling day running smoothly, says EC

KLUANG: Preparations for the Mahkota by-election, involving 20 polling centres and 109 channels, have been progressing smoothly, says the Election Commission (EC).

Its secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said a total of 1,126 officers would be deployed to ensure that the polling day runs smoothly on Saturday (Sept 28).

“We have inspected the equipment involved in the election and everything is on track.

“This includes the ballot papers, ballot boxes, voting booths, indelible ink and other items needed for the election.

“A total of 1,126 officers will be on duty for the voting process and there will be 20 polling centres and 109 channels for the 61,274 people who are expected to vote in this by-election,” he said in a statement here.

He also reminded voters to bring their MyKad and not to come to the polling centres at the last minute.

“Voters may vote at their convenience between 8am and 6pm or according to the official opening hours of the polling centres.

“However, we encourage voters to follow the recommended voting time stated in the MySPR Semak app,” he said, adding that employers should also give their workers ample time to cast their votes.

Ikmalrudin also reminded all parties contesting in the election that the official campaigning period will end at 11.59am tonight (Sept 27).

“Those entering the polling centres on polling day, including voters, candidates, and officers on duty, are also reminded that they are not allowed to don any clothing items that display party materials or photos of the candidate.

“Those failing to do so may be barred from entering the polling centres,” he said.

The Mahkota state seat became vacant when its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain from Umno, passed away on Aug 2, three days after she was hospitalised.

Sharifah Azizah won the seat in the March 2022 Johor state election by a 5,166 majority, beating three other candidates from Perikatan, Pakatan and Parti Warisan.

The Mahkota by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional’s Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.