MORE than 58,000 registered voters are eligible to vote in the Permatang Pauh by-election on 26 Aug 2008. As polling day approaches, banners flurry in the warm air, and campaigning intensifies with the presence of some Barisan Nasional (BN) big-wigs who have turned up to support their candidate, Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah.
The underdog is facing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Hanafi Hamat of Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) in what could well be the most significant by-election in the nation’s history. If Anwar wins (and he is likely to), the former deputy premier claims he will lead the Pakatan Rakyat towards forming a new government. 
