EC foresees 75pc voter turnout for twin by-elections
EC chairman Datuk Seri Hashim Abdullah said the commission is looking at a lower turnout at the Sungai Besar federal constituency in Selangor compared to the last general elections in 2013 where voter turnout was about 88 per cent.
“We expect a turnout of 75 per cent during the elections. During GE13, the voters for the Sungai Besar constituency was 88.03 per cent,” he told reporters at the nomination centre today.
“The EC hopes that all voters will come out and vote. We also ask the voters outside the constituency to come back and vote,” Hashim added after receiving the nominations of three candidates at Sungai Besar.
Hisham reasoned that a lower turnout was expected due to most voters being based outside the constituency and the lack of political relevance of the by-elections.
“We are afraid they do not come back to vote. The standing of the seat is also important to consider; if it would have any major impact on national politics. They would consider that,” he said.
The EC would be setting up two task forces to monitor the electoral process during the campaigning period ahead of the June 18 polling date for both elections.
Among their duties are to liaise with the police and prohibit campaign speeches (ceramah) that have not gotten permits.
Hashim also said the teams are in charge of removing any banners and posters that do not comply with election rules.
The EC also has selected 10 people to be independent observers from NGOs but did not specify where they were from.
The parliamentary Sungai Besar by-election in Selangor will see a three-way contest between Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Budiman Mohd Zohdi, PAS’ Dr Rani Osman and Amanah’s Azhar Shukur.
The federal Kuala Kangsar by-election in Perak will see a four-way fight between BN’s Mastura Mohd Yazid, PAS' Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad, Amanah's Ahmad Termizi Ramli and, independent Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary.
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