KUCHING: Sarawakians will go to the ballot boxes to choose a new state government on Dec 18, says the Election Commission (EC).
EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh also said that nomination day for the 12th Sarawak election would be on Dec 6, allowing for 12 days of campaigning.
At a press conference in Kuching on Wednesday (Nov 24), Abdul Ghani also announced that early voting for the state polls will be held on Dec 14.
The Sarawak Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Nov 3 following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent to lift the statewide Emergency on the same day, paving the way for the state election to be held within 60 days.
Abdul Ghani said 82 returning officers had been appointed for the polls, along with 249 assistant returning officers.
"For the purpose of monitoring campaign activities throughout the campaign period, we will set up 155 enforcement teams.
"The teams will comprise police personnel and representatives from local authorities and candidates," he said.
In a statement distributed to the media, the EC said the state election was estimated to cost RM150mil.
It said 46,565 election workers would be deployed for the polls, while 82 nomination and vote tallying centres would be set up for the 82 state constituencies.
A total of 1,866 polling stations will be used on polling day and 85 for early voting.
"On polling day, 346 polling stations will open from 7.30am to 5pm. The remaining 1,520 will open according to the times gazetted," the EC said.
It also said 1,252,014 voters were eligible to vote in the election based on the latest electoral roll as of Nov 2.
"Voters can check their polling details on the EC's website at pengundi.spr.gov.my, by calling 03-8892 7018 or through the myspr Semak application," it said.
In addition, the EC said it was targeting a turnout of 70% for the polls.
"We will carry out a Jom Kita Undi campaign through various media channels and banners at strategic locations to encourage voters to come out and fulfil their responsibility," it said.