Gerik, Bugaya polls on Jan 16

The by-elections for the Sabah state constituency of Bugaya and the Gerik parliamentary constituency in Perak will be held simultaneously on Jan 16 next year.

Election Commission (EC) chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said nomination will be held on Jan 4 and early voting on Jan 12.

According to Bernama, he said face-to-face campaigns, ceramahs, walkabouts, house visits and pamphlet distribution would not be allowed, although campaign activities involving vehicles with loudspeakers would be permitted at certain times.

Gerik MP Hasbullah Osman died on Nov 16 while Bugaya assemblyman Manis Muka Mohd Darah died on Nov 17.

The nomination and official vote-tallying centre for the Gerik by-election will be at the Gerik district council multipurpose hall, while the centre for the Bugaya polls will be at the Semporna community hall.

Ghani said the EC had made some improvements to the Covid-19 prevention guidelines for the implementation of elections, which were used during the Sabah election.

“Candidates are encouraged to campaign using social media platforms. They are also allowed to put up banners in the by-election areas,” he said.

However, all candidates and party workers should avoid any contact during the installation of banners to comply with the physical distancing rule, he added.