KUCHING: The low turnout on polling day during a by-election is primarily due to voters not taking the election seriously.
In pointing this out, political observer Datuk Peter Minos said low voter turnout is a common trend in most by-elections.
“This is because nobody takes by-elections too seriously and people only prioritise the General Election.
“In the case of Jepak, maybe the voters think that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will be the victor and so if there is any inconvenience such as a little rain or sun, the voters might think ‘why worry? It will still be PBB if I don’t vote’.
“In a by-election, there will be no big issues that will excite the people or make them come out to vote. Even if there is, it is usually small issues and they are considered boring,” he opined.
Minos also pointed out that the two other candidates contesting do not look that impressive or inspiring.
“At the very least, the PBB candidate has a solid background and for the voters, that really matters.
“So with the big PBB and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) guns blazing in with massive support, the PBB candidate (Iskandar Turkee) will surely win big.”
For the record, the Jepak by-election, slated for Nov 4, will be a three-cornered fight between GPS’ Iskandar Turkee, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Ping.
The Jepak state seat became vacant following the passing of Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15. The late Talib had served for six terms since 1996.
According to a source, based on past elections, the voter turnout in Jepak has never reached 70 per cent.
In responding to this, Minos said there is nothing much that can be done to increase the turnout on polling day.
“We cannot force them to vote, nor persuade them or urge them to. However, maybe if our Premier personally drops in and goes round at the polling booths, maybe that will help in increasing voter turnout.”
