Bukit Gelugor: Voting process calm, no provocation so far - EC

Calm and without any provocation. This is the description given by Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof on the ongoing Bukit Gelugor by-election today.

"From my observation of the voting process in some schools, I found it to be very calm and there is no provocation from any parties.

"No groups were found to be campaigning at this period of time," he said, adding that he was very pleased with the current situation.

Abdul Aziz also lauded the police for controlling the situation well and made early preparation to face the by-election.

He said so far, the voter turnout is only 19.95 percent, which is a relatively low figure.

"We hope that the number will increase to at least 10 percent more. The voting process is also going on smoothly...no one has to wait for too long," he noted.

He advised candidates to respect the law and to not continue campaigning on polling day.

He expressed hope for the first ballot box to arrive at Dewan Sri Pinang, where the votes will be counted, by 6.30pm.

On independent candidate Abu Backer Mohamad Sidek's last-minute withdrawal from the by-election, Abdul Aziz said the move was invalid.

"No matter what statement he makes, he can't withdraw as his name is already on the ballot," he said.

He said if Abu Backer wanted to withdraw, he should have done so an hour after nominations took place.