EC aims for 99% turnout in early voting for Pulai by-election

JOHOR BAHRU – The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a turnout of at least 99% among the 927 police personnel eligible to cast their ballots in early voting for the Pulai parliamentary by-election today.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said the early voting process at the Kempas police station and Regional Two Marine Police headquarters here is proceeding smoothly.

The two voting centres opened at 8 am today. The one at the Kempas police station closed at noon, while the other centre will close at 5pm.

“There are two voting streams at the marine police headquarters and one at the Kempas police station. 

“The voter turnout has been very good, registering 16% after the first hour and 34% after the second.

“We hope both early voting centres can achieve good turnouts of at least 99%,” he told reporters at the marine police headquarters compound.

Of the 927 voters, 46 are scheduled to vote at the Kempas police station operations room and 881 at the Region Two Marine Police headquarters.

Ghani also encouraged voters in Saturday’s Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections to cast their ballots early.

“Go out and vote early or according to the schedule proposed by the EC. Do not give your identity card to unauthorised quarters or individuals to avoid creating problems.

“Voters who are absent from their constituencies should return to fulfil their voting responsibilities,” he said.

The two seats fell vacant following the death of domestic trade and cost of living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

There are 166,653 voters in Pulai and 40,379 voters in Simpang Jeram. – September 5, 2023