KOTA KINABALU: For most political parties the one month wait till the Nov 15 nomination day could be a boon and a test of political stamina in the run-up to the state election, say political observers.
For parties in major coalitions Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, this is the time to sort out their respective seat sharing formulas that have entered into impasses over several seat overlaps.
This month also gives a chance for parties to appease incumbents who may be dropped in the seat formulas that are being worked out by Pakatan and GRS, as well as between Pakatan and Barisan in a complex team-up among the federal unity government partners ahead of the Nov 29 polls.
It will also be a real test for parties that are financially strapped who might feel the pinch of not only maintaining momentum but could also find their machinery swallowed by the bigger players.
Sabah UiTM senior lecturer Toni Paridi Bagang said the long stretch provides ample time for the coalition parties to sort out their seat sharing.
“It also gives time for parties to consider joining or forming new coalitions besides the existing one,” he said, adding that most parties now have the advantage to plan their strategies.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Dr Anatha Raman Govindasamy said in theory, a long waiting period before nomination day provides an advantage to the ruling coalition but in reality, its offers equal opportunities for all parties to perform.
“Intense negotiations over seat allocations are expected within and among the major coalition parties before nomination day. There is also a possibility of last-minute realignments if no consensus is reached,” he said.
For other political observers, the long wait is not healthy.
“The political ground in Sabah is already tense, stretching it will not be good for the democratic process,” said a political observer.
“The Election Commission should not wait to hold the polls just a week before the 60-day period ends,” he said of the Nov 29 polling date.
The state assembly was dissolved on Oct 6.
Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said the month-long period is a long haul but the advantage is that they could fine tune their election machinery.
“It is just too long, (but) we can use this time to sort out minor issues yet to be settled,” he said.
State opposition leader Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party has been preparing for the elections with consistent engagement with people across the state.
“We didn’t wait for the assembly to be dissolved. For almost four years, I have visited all the 73 constituencies Sipitang to Kudat, from Kinabatangan to Keningau, Nabawan, Sook and many others,” he said an an event in Pulau Banggi in Kudat.
“Our focus has always been on readiness and not panic or reaction. When the time comes, our candidates will be ready.
“I’m not announcing names yet because after more than 30 years in politics, I know how some try to buy candidates, proposers and seconders before nomination day.”
Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee also felt that it was a stretched period but it would not hamper his party’s campaign preparations.
