MELAKA: A total of 189 nomination forms had been sold for the Melaka state election as of last night, while 45 prospective candidates had paid their deposits, Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said.
He said 28 nomination centres would open simultaneously across the state from 9 am to 10 am tomorrow for the nomination process.
READ MORE: EC to open 28 nomination centres for Melaka polls on Oct 31
“To ensure a smooth process, we urge all prospective candidates to arrive early so that EC staff can thoroughly verify their documents and avoid any issues that could affect their participation in the election.
“We do not want any problems that might prevent someone from contesting or cause similar complications. We are trying to avoid that,” he told reporters after observing a nomination simulation at the Ballroom Hall of Hang Jebat Stadium in Paya Rumput here today.
Commenting on preparations, Ramlan said all returning officers (ROs) and staff at the 28 nomination centres had received adequate training and were fully prepared to carry out their duties.
He said 80 assistant returning officers and other officers would assist the 28 ROs to ensure the process ran smoothly.
“Based on the simulation held in Paya Rumput, I am confident that tomorrow’s nomination process will be carried out well, including by first-time ROs,” he said.
Meanwhile, he reminded supporters of contesting parties who would be present tomorrow to comply with directives and established regulations to ensure the nomination process took place in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“The public is also advised to take note of possible road closures around nomination centres to facilitate movement and avoid congestion on the day,” he said.
Ramlan added that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast fair weather tomorrow and expressed hope that the nomination process would proceed without disruption.
The EC has set polling day for the Melaka state election on Nov 14, with nomination on Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10.
