Johor polls: 894 nomination forms sold - State EC

Some 295 forms were sold to Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (99), Pejuang (86), Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (52), PKR (49), MCA (49), DAP (42), Amanah (34) and Gerakan (30).

Meanwhile, 21 nomination forms were sold to PAS, Bersatu (20), Warisan (five), Pakatan Harapan (three), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (one), other parties (55) and individuals (53).

In a separate statement, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said candidates can submit their forms to the returning officers from 9 am to 10 am at 56 nomination centres (PPC) on nomination day this Saturday (Feb 26).

The prospective candidates are advised to fill in the form and double-check with the Returning Officer's Office or the State Election Office prior to nomination day.

"The candidates are also advised to pay the deposit early and bring the payment receipt on nomination day as proof of payment. This is to ensure that all the processes can be completed earlier and will run smoothly," he said.

Ikmalrudin also reminded candidates representing political parties to bring along the letter of permission to use the party's symbol from the respective party they are representing and submit it together with the nomination papers.

He stressed only the candidates, their proposers and seconders would be allowed to enter the nomination centres on that day.

"Supporters of candidates are not allowed to gather or engage in any procession at any venues or PPC on nomination day," he added.

Ikmalrudin said the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Johor polls to curb the spread of COVID-19 was approved by the Health Ministry on Feb 18 in line with Regulations 16 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (National Recovery Plan) 2021 Regulations.

"The Special Election SOP will be strictly implemented in all election processes, namely the process of printing and reviewing ballot papers, production and counting of postal ballot papers, reviewing the contents of ballot boxes, during the campaign period, polling day and official counting of votes," he said.

Polling day is set for March 12, nominations on Feb 26 and early voting on March 8.