EC to discuss Batu Sapi by-polls on Oct 13

Kota Kinabalu: The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting at 10am on Oct 13 to discuss the Batu Sapi by-election following the death of the area's MP Datuk VK Liew.

EC Chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh will later hold a press conference at 12.30pm at the EC's headquarters in Putrajaya, said a statement.

According to a Sinar Harian report today, Abdul Ghani said the EC is required by law to hold a by-election for the parliamentary constituency within 60 days following Liew's death.

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However, the by-election can be delayed if the area is declared a Covid-19 red zone, said Abdul Ghani.

Previously, BN and Parti Cinta Sabah announced they will sit out the by-election while Umno Youth urged political parties not to contest and let Warisan retain the seat to prevent another election that could worsen the Covid-19 second wave in Sabah as did the Sept 26 state election.

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The Batu Sapi constituency is located in Sandakan, which is currently a red zone under a Conditional Movement Control Order that started today.