FULL REPORT PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission today fixed the polling date for the Galas by-election on Nov 4. Nomination will be held on Oct 26.
The dates were announced by Election Commission deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar during a press conference this morning.
The recently updated voter count in Galas stands at 11,553, of which 61.63% are Malays, 20.08% Chinese, 1.6% Indians, 0.9% Sarawak bumiputeras and 16.37% Orang Asli. Of this number, 127 will consist of postal votes.
Wan Ahmad said the election was being held on a weekday as “majority of the voters are based locally”. The nomination falls on a Tuesday while polling is on a Thursday.
The state seat fell vacant following the death of its rep, Che Hashim Sulaima, of PAS, on Sept 27.
The by-election is expected to see a straight fight between BN/Umno and PAS. The seat falls under the Gua Musang parliamentary constituency, held by Umno veteran and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Tight race expected
Observers believe the Galas contest will be a tight race considering the volatile voting pattern. In 2004, Umno won the seat and in 2008, Che Hashim won when he polled 4,399 votes against BN's Saufi Deraman who obtained 3,753 votes.
Two other state seats in the Gua Musang constituency — Nenggiri and Paloh — were won by BN with majority of 2,090 and 2,833 votes respectively.
This will be the country's 12th by-election since the 2008 general election.
While neither BN nor PAS have indicated whom they will field as a candidate, the past few days have seen a growing chorus of support in BN for Razaleigh to wrest the seat back from PAS.
The Kelantan prince yesterday agreed to assume to election director's post but has yet to decide on whether he will contest in the by-election.
Razaleigh's possible run for the seat has stirred wariness within PAS which believes his presence will steer the by-election in BN's favour.
Last weekend PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat attempted to discourage BN from fielding Razaleigh by suggesting that it would be an insult to his political career.
No decision on independent monitors
Speaking to reporters today, Wan Ahmad said Gua Musang district officer Wan Mustapha Wan Abdul Hami will be the returning officer for the by-election and he will be assisted by three assistants.
Wan Ahmad also said 11 schools, a treatment centre belonging to the Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) and public hall will be used as polling stations. There will be 25 election streams and 323 election monitors to oversee the election process.
The budget for the Galas by-election is estimated at RM1.3 million which includes helicopter access for four polling stations.
Wan Ahmad also said that the EC has yet to choose an independent watchdog for the Galas by-election.
"There is actually no need for an independent watchdog as the polling agents are capable of playing that role," he explained.
"As for independent watchdog Mafrel, it has recently sent us its reports of the previous by-elections. We are currently studying those reports and will meet with Mafrel soon," he said.
The 2008 general elections saw an 81% turnout in the constituency.
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