THE Election Commission (EC) today advised prospective candidates of the six-state elections and the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election to fill in the nomination form and do a preliminary check with the respective EC offices prior to nomination day this Saturday.

EC secretary Ikmalrudin Ishak in a statement today said this can be done at the office of the respective returning officers or the state election office.

This will smoothen the nomination process for election candidates in Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as the Kuala Terengganu by-election on Saturday, he said.

He added that prospective candidates are also advised to make their deposit payment in advance and the receipt should be brought on nomination day as proof of payment.

“For candidates representing any political party, they are reminded to submit a letter of authorisation to use the party’s symbol when submitting their nomination forms,” he said.

Ikmalrudin said the nomination papers can be submitted between 9am and 10am to the returning officer at 173 candidate nomination centres (PPC) by candidates, proposers and seconders.

On nomination day, each prospective candidate can only be accompanied by one proposer and seconder to enter the nomination centre.

Apart from this, the use of any type of musical instruments or loudspeakers for the purpose of political propaganda by any means, including through the use of any type of vehicle is not permitted on nomination day and it is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

“The public as well as supporters who accompany candidates are prohibited from waiting or being within 50m of the centre’s perimeter that has been set.

“Candidates who have paid a deposit for election campaign materials as provided for under the Election Offences Act 1954, are also subject to the by-laws of any local authority for the purpose of exhibiting and distributing election campaign materials that contain photos of candidates, party emblems/symbols and photos of combined party/component leaders that they represent jointly or separately,” said Ikmalrudin.

The EC further advised potential candidates and political parties involved to always comply with laws, regulations, code of ethics and instructions issued by the EC, the police and local authorities to ensure that the nomination process runs smoothly.

Polling day for the six-state elections and by-election is on August 12. Early voting is on August 8. – Bernama, July 27, 2023.