JOHOR BARU: A total of 593 nomination forms for the Johor state election have been sold so far, but only 133 prospective candidates have confirmed their participation by paying the required deposit.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the number was expected to increase, as prospective candidates still have until the start of the nomination process tomorrow morning to complete the formalities.
"As of this morning, we have sold 593 nomination forms at returning officer offices throughout the state. Of that number, 133 candidates have made the deposit payment, meaning they have confirmed their participation so far.
"We still have time until tomorrow, and we hope candidates intending to contest will come earlier to make their payments so that the nomination process can proceed more smoothly," he told reporters after inspecting preparations at the nomination centre for the Maharani constituency at the Muar District Office here on Friday (June 26).
Ramlan gave an assurance that all 56 nomination centres across the state were fully prepared after the EC conducted two consecutive days of trial runs.
On security arrangements, Ramlan reminded all political parties, candidates and supporters to comply with regulations and avoid any provocation to ensure nomination proceeds in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Maharani returning officer Zainal Eran said supporters of political parties attending tomorrow's nomination process would be placed in designated areas separated by barriers to prevent any untoward incidents.
"Only the candidate, proposer and one supporter will be allowed to enter the nomination centre in accordance with the established procedures.
"Other supporters will be placed at the field in front of the centre, where barriers will be erected to separate supporters of each party to prevent any undesirable incidents," he said.
Pakatan Harapan has announced it would field candidates in all 56 seats, comprising 20 from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP.
Barisan Nasional will also contest all 56 seats, fielding 36 Umno candidates, 16 MCA candidates and four MIC candidates.
Perikatan Nasional has announced that PAS will contest 11 seats, Bersatu 16, the Malaysian Indian People's Party five and Pejuang one.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance will contest four seats, Parti Sosialis Malaysia one seat, while Parti Bersama Malaysia is set to make its electoral debut by contesting 15 state seats.
The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1. The EC has set tomorrow as nomination day, July 7 for early voting and July 11 for polling day. - Bernama
