CHUKAI: Facing the third election within a year, young voters in Kemaman parliamentary constituency are aware that of each of them has tremendous power over the candidates.

       Representing 31 per cent of the 141,790 eligible voters in the Kemaman by-election, scheduled for Dec 2, voters under 30 here are more mature and aware of their respective responsibilities in shaping a brighter future for Kemaman.

       Siti Nurfitri Nisya Mohamad Ali, 23, said voters have to carry out checks and balances before coming to a solution and making a decision.

       The kindergarten teacher believes that reading about social, economic and political issues through news and social media helps her choose the best representative.

       "In today's age, I think the young people have reached a level of maturity and with modern technology, we can do research and check about the candidates, the party that represents the candidates before making any decision," she told Bernama.

       The Kemaman by-election sees a one-on-one clash between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar of PAS.

       It was called following the Sept 26 decision by the Terengganu Elections Court to nullify PAS candidate, Che Alias Hamid’s victory in the 15th General Election.

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       On Aug 12, voters in the four state constituencies under the Kemaman parliamentary constituency were involved in the state election.

       Meanwhile, Muhammad Arif Mohd Zawawi, 23, who is also voting for the third time, said as a young voter, he would often seek the views of family members regarding candidates who are contesting but still makes his own choice.

       The holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Dungun said he would not miss the opportunity to vote because it was important for the elected representative to bring their voice to the government.

       "Even though this will be my third time voting, I am not frazzled because I believe that one vote can also bring change to our area," he said.

       A native of Kampung Geliga, Abdul Syahiran Mohd Shafie, 18, who would be voting for the first time, also expressed his excitement to vote because he already had a candidate in mind.

       The former tahfiz school student in Chendor said he would not make a choice based on emotions but would cast his vote wisely. - Bernama