LAHAD DATU: The nomination process for the four state seats under the Lahad Datu parliamentary area closed smoothly on Saturday with all 29 nomination papers accepted.
Returning Officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul confirmed the full list of candidates at about 11.30am at the Dewan Perdana Nomination Centre.
The Tungku and Segama seats will each see seven-way contests, with incumbents Assafal P. Alian and Datuk Mohammaddin Ketapi returning to defend their positions against a field of new and familiar challengers.
The Silam seat, previously held by Warisan, has drawn nine contenders including Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Apdal, while in Kunak, incumbent Datuk Norazlinah Arif faces five opponents from PN, PIS, PPRS, BN and Warisan.
Supporters gathered as early as 6.30am to accompany their candidates in a lively atmosphere, with the process running without major issues apart from a Warisan supporter fainting and receiving prompt medical attention.