EC all geared up for Jepak by-election

KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) is all set for the Jepak by-election, with nominations to take place on Saturday (Oct 21).

Returning officer Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey said 446 personnel would be on duty for the by-election, including polling station heads and enforcement teams.

“We are in the final stages of preparation now. All our personnel have been fully briefed on their duties,” he told reporters after a simulation exercise for Nomination Day at the Bintulu Civic Centre on Friday (Oct 20).

Abang Zainuddin said the exercise was held to ensure that the nomination process goes on without a hitch.

“We want to avoid any untoward incidents. My advice to all candidates is to comply with the EC’s rules and regulations so that the by-election will proceed smoothly,” he said.

In addition, he called on party supporters to be disciplined and not disrupt the nomination process.

Abang Zainuddin also said nine sets of nomination papers had been sold for the by-election.

To date, only three candidates have been named for the polls. They are Iskandar Turkee from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Chieng Lea Phing from Sarawak Aspiration People’s Party.

Meanwhile, Iskandar said GPS was ready for the by-election with support from all its four component parties.

“The GPS leadership is committed to ensuring victory. The machinery is ready. Once nomination is over we will move into action immediately,” he said.

Iskandar urged voters, especially youths, to come out and fulfil their democratic responsibility on polling day.

He also advised supporters to stay calm throughout the by-election.

The Jepak seat fell vacant when its assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip from GPS passed away on Sept 15.

Polling has been set for Nov 4.

Jepak has 22,804 voters based on the electoral roll as of Sept 15.