TAPAH: Only 26.36 per cent of the 31,281 registered voters have cast their ballots in the Ayer Kuning by-election, which began at 8am today.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun described the 11am turnout as still low and urged the public to vote earlier in the day.
“So far, the voting process has been smooth, and the situation is peaceful.
“We hope this momentum continues until polling centres close at 6pm.
“The EC is optimistic that voter turnout for the Ayer Kuning by-election will reach the 70 per cent target, and various efforts have been made to encourage voter participation.
“Therefore, I urge registered voters to come out earlier, as we are concerned that the weather may deteriorate in the afternoon, especially as it has been raining frequently in recent days,” he said during a press conference after visiting the polling centre at SMK Bidor here today.
The Ayer Kuning by-election features a three-cornered fight between Mohamad Yusri Bakir (BN), Abdul Muhaimin Malek (Perikatan Nasional), and Bawani KS (Parti Sosialis Malaysia).
The by-election was called following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, who died of a heart attack after taking part in a friendly football match in Penang on Feb 22.
Meanwhile, Ramlan said the EC had received 36 reports of by-election offences, mostly involving campaign materials.
“Five of these reports were lodged with the police, and all necessary action has been taken.
“None of the offences were deemed serious,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
