By-elections: EC expects lower turnouts, Aidilfitri among factors

The turnouts for the two by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar tomorrow are expected to be about 75 percent.

The Election Commission's (EC) chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said this is due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration which will be held in two weeks' time.

“We had expected, like in Sungai Besar, 88 percent turnout during the last general election (GE13). But for these by-elections, we expect a 75 per cent turnout in both places.

“We urge voters -- whether they are in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar, or those who are outside these areas but are registered voters here -- please come back to vote,” said Mohd Hashim.

According to him, besides Aidilfitri, other factors such as weather condition may also affect the number of turnouts on Saturday, hence he expressed hope that voters would come out early tomorrow to cast their ballots.

He said this at a press conference after observing the preparations for the Kuala Kangsar by-elections at the Dewan Jubli Perak on Friday.

In Kuala Kangsar, a total of 32,949 registered voters are eligible to cast their votes with a total of 69 polling channels at 23 polling stations are open in the Parliamentary by-election tomorrow.