KUCHING: The Sarawak state election is expected to see multi-cornered fights in numerous seats with local independent parties joining the fray to challenge the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Opposition contenders Pakatan Harapan and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).

       On Monday (Nov 29), the Sarawak People's Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) said it aimed to field candidates in 20 seats.

       Its president Lina Soo announced the names of 17 candidates at a press conference here.

       "We will announce three more candidates in time to come," she told reporters after presenting authorisation letters to the candidates.

       Soo also said Aspirasi was working with Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru) to contest in as many of the 82 state seats as possible.

       "We will go for the urban and semi-urban seats while PBDS Baru will contest the rural and interior seats," she said.

       GPS has said it will field candidates in all 82 seats in the polls.

       Pakatan and PSB have also stated their intention to contest every seat.

       The state election will take place on Dec 18, with nominations on Dec 6.