TAIPING, 6 April 2009: The results of the Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai state seats, as well as the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat by-elections are expected to be announced by 9pm tomorrow.
Election Commission (EC) chairperson Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said however, the announcement of the results could probably come even earlier, in the event there was no protest or recount.
“Overall, we expect all results to be announced between 9pm and 10pm at their respective locations, but not simultaneously,” he told reporters after visiting a media information centre in Kamunting here today.
Abdul Aziz said the EC had deployed 1,281 staff to handle the simultaneous polling processes scheduled for tomorrow at the three constituencies.
He said the police had also tightened security to enable the people to cast their votes without fear.
On the winning candidates and their supporters, he advised them not to hold victory parades after the results were announced to avoid provocation or clashes.
Abdul Aziz urged everyone to accept the election results announced by the EC, but said the decision could be challenged in court if they were not satisfied.
He said, so far, the eight-day campaign period for the three by-elections had run smoothly with only minor hitches.
“Nothing serious happened in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau … only a few poster wars occurred and they were easily resolved,” he said.
Abdul Aziz anticipated a higher voter turn-out for the Bukit Gantang by-election tomorrow as compared to the 72% voter turnout recorded during the last general election. — Bernama
