Taib's successor for Balingian will be decided Saturday

A total of 13,233 registered voters in Balingian, will choose a new representative following a two-cornered clash between Yusibbnosh Balo from Barisan National (BN) and Abdul Jalil Bujang from PKR. 21 polling stations will open as early at 8am, to enable the constituents to cast their ballots. Last March 25, 133 voters had cast their votes at the IPD Multipurpose Hall in Mukah. The ballot boxes will be brought to the counting centre at the Mesra Civic Centre, Mukah on polling day. Out of the 13,366 voters, 7,705 or 57.66% are from the Malay/Melanau ethnic group. This is followed by Iban with 3,875 or 28.99%, 1,683 or 12.59% Chinese and 29 or 0.22 % from the Orang Ulu ethnic group. The remaining 19 or 0.41% are from the the Bidayuh ethnic group while 55 or 0.41% are others. The N-51 state seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Sarawak Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud last February 28. During the 2001 state election, Taib retained the BN seat with a majority of 5,154 votes defeating Suriati Abdullah from PKR and independent candidate Datuk Salleh Jaafaruddin.