KUCHING: The early voting process for the 12th Sarawak Elections has begun.

       The process will involve 12,585 army personnel and their spouses as well as 10,458 police personnel and their spouses on Tuesday (Dec 14).

       According to state deputy police commissioner DCP Datuk Mancha Ata, a total of 85 early voting centres with 111 polling streams will open from 7.30am to 5pm.

       Aside from the multi-purpose hall at state police headquarters and district police stations, several other venues have been designated for early polling purposes.

       He also said 5,522 police officers and personnel will be on duty to ensure a smooth voting process.

       For postal voters, a total of 1,200 applications were sent in from the police force, with 705 approved by the Election Commission (EC).

       Over in MIRI, a total of 447 police personnel will cast their votes for three constituencies - Bekenu, Piasau and Lambir.