Run-up to K. Terengganu by-election: This is the most peaceful election, says EC

(NST) – This is one peaceful by-election. No complaints have been lodged so far by the contesting parties, moving the Election Commission to describe it as more peaceful than previous ones such as Permatang Pauh and Ijok.

The EC reminded all contesting parties to stop their campaigns at midnight on the eve of Jan 16 and to not hold parades or broadcast ceramah speeches on loudspeakers on polling day on Jan 17.

EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Omar Wan Ahmad also said the results of the by-election were expected to be known by 10pm, with postal votes being the first to be counted and displayed.

"We hope that nothing untoward happens on polling day that could mar the process and delay the counting of votes.

"We expect all the ballot boxes to reach the counting centre by 9pm so that we can start counting all 143 voting streams," Wan Omar said here yesterday.

Wan Omar said political parties had been told to restrain their members from parading with motorcycles while carrying flags as this could be construed as campaigning during polling day.

"They should also not broadcast political messages on loudspeakers as this could sway voters and would be interpreted as campaigning."

Those entering polling centres are also reminded not to wear clothes displaying party symbols.