Manek Urai: 87.3 percent voter turnout
Voting for the Manek Urai by-election kicked off at 8am today with the two contesting candidates – both of whom are not registered voters in the state constituency – visiting polling stations in the area.
Turnout was recorded 38.3 percent or 4,706 voters as at 10, according to the Election Commission (EC).
Voter will have nine hours, until 5pm, to cast their votes in this crucial by-election. The result is expected to be known by 8pm.
Umno is fielding its Kuala Krai Youth chief Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat as its candidate, while PAS is banking on its Kuala Krai treasurer, Mohd Fauzi Abdullah.
Manek Urai has 12,293 voters of whom 99.2 percent are Malays, while the remainder are Chinese and Indians.
The result will signal whether PAS and its revered 78-year-old Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat are able to maintain their grip over this east coast state which the Islamic party has been in power for 19 years.
Much is at stake too for Umno and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is hoping that a victory will help to stem the tide of Pakatan Rakyat, which has won five out of six by-elections since last year’s general election.
Nik Aziz, who arrived at the SK Perai polling station 10 minutes earlier than the party’s candidate Mohd Fauzi, had to wait for him.
On arrival at 8.10am, Mohd Fauzi kissed the hand of the menteri besar as a sign of respect as a dozen of supporters shouted “Allahuakhbar”.
Both politicians said they were confident of victory.
“I have met a large portion of the voters and I think my chances of winning this by-election is as bright as the full moon,” quipped Mohd Fauzi, who was accompanied by his wife.
Traffic jam along main road
Nik Aziz announcement yesterday of a state-wide holiday has resulted in a carnival-like atmosphere in the constituency.
Traffic congestion started the night following the announcement as many cars are seen heading here from Kuala Krai. The 27km trip from Kuala Krai to Manek Urai, which normally takes 40 to 50 minutes, took up to two hours yesterday.
Voters are casting their votes in nine polling centres – SK Temalir, SK Peria, SK Manek Urai, SK Manek Urai Baru, SK Sungai Sok, SK Chuchoh Puteri, SK Lata Rek, SK Kampung Karangan, and SMK Laloh.
EC Abdul Aziz Yusof is hoping for a 85 percent turnout as 90 percent of the voters are local rubber tappers, farmers and fishermen. According to him, there are 1,300 outstation voters while some political parties have claimed it could be as high as 2,000.
Abdul Aziz said the majority of the outstation voters were within Kelantan and from nearby Pahang and he hoped they will go home to vote.
For the first time, political parties would not be allowed to set up booths near the entrance gate to the polling centres. Mkini
