JOHOR BAHRU: The Election Commission (EC) has sold a total of 22 nomination forms for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections as of yesterday.

Johor Election Office, in a statement today, said all the forms were purchased by Amanah, PAS, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and independent candidates.

"For Simpang Jeram, Amanah bought three sets of nomination forms, PAS (two), PN (five) and independent (one), while for Pulai, PN bought five sets, Amanah (four) and independent (two)," it said.

In a separate statement, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said the nomination papers for both by-elections must be submitted to the Returning Officer at the stipulated nomination centres from 9 am to 10 am this Saturday.

He said the nomination centre for Pulai is at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim here, while for Simpang Jeram is at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim, Muar.

"To ensure the smooth running of the nomination process, EC advises that the prospective candidates for both by-elections fill in their forms and run a preliminary check with the Returning Officer's Office or State Election Office before the nomination day.

"Prospective candidates are also advised to pay their deposit in advance and bring the receipt on the nomination day as proof of payment," he said.

Ikmalrudin also reminded candidates representing any political party to bring the approval letter to use the party symbol when submitting their nomination forms.

He said each candidate could only be accompanied by one proposer and seconder to enter the nomination centre. At the same time, their supporters are prohibited from waiting or being within 50 metres from the centres.

He also said that the use of any type of musical instrument, loudspeaker or vehicle for the purpose of political campaigns is not allowed as it is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

In addition, candidates who have paid a deposit for election campaign materials as provided under the Act are also subject to the bylaws of any local authority with regards to exhibiting and distributing the materials that contain the photos of candidates, party emblems/symbols and photos of coalition or component party leaders.

"The EC urged prospective candidates and political parties involved to always comply with the laws, regulations, code of ethics and instructions issued by the commission, the police and local authorities to ensure the nomination process runs well and smoothly," said Ikmalrudin.

The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats fell vacant following the death of the incumbent, the late Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23.

The EC has set the nomination day for both by-elections for Aug 26, while early voting on Sept 5 and polling on Sept 9.

-- BERNAMA