EC in final preps as Sabah heads to the polls tomorrow

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 28): The Election Commission (EC) has entered the final phase of preparations for Sabah’s 17th state election, with teams across Kota Kinabalu and surrounding districts delivering equipment and conducting last-minute checks at polling centres ahead of tomorrow’s voting.

A survey by The Borneo Post found activity picking up at several key locations, including the Maksak Hall counting centre near Likas, the Inland Revenue Board building counting centre near Kota Kinabalu, the Foochow Hall polling centre near Bukit Padang, and the Sembulan Multipurpose Hall polling centre.

EC personnel were seen transporting materials, setting up rooms and verifying facilities throughout the afternoon.

Deployment of equipment and non-ballot materials began at around 2.30pm, coinciding with final briefings and district-level inspections.

It is understood that delivery methods vary by location, with some centres accessible only by boats or four-wheel drive vehicles.

At the Sabah Parks jetty, SMK Pulau Gaya polling centre supervisor Norazizi Bulah said preparations had proceeded smoothly since morning before his team departed for the island.

“We attended a verification session for equipment today. It began this morning and was completed around 1pm.

“This afternoon we will go to the polling location to inspect the premises and ensure everything is ready for use.

“From what we saw, there are no issues. We will return later to arrange tables and the layout for polling day tomorrow,” he said when met.

Norazizi noted that only non-sensitive items were being delivered today.

“We will deliver only technical materials such as stickers, banners, posters, wheelchairs, umbrellas, and stationery.

“Ballot papers and ballot boxes will only be delivered tomorrow morning and collected by the respective heads of each polling station,” he added.

He said his team is responsible solely for the SMK Pulau Gaya polling centre.

“For Pulau Gaya, we expect around 52 personnel today, though about 49 may actually go down to the site,” he said.

Norazizi also urged voters to fulfil their responsibility despite uncertainties over weather.

“I call on all voters to come out in full force tomorrow. It is your responsibility.

“This morning it rained heavily and we were worried, but hopefully tomorrow will be clear,” he said.

With all major polling and counting centres reporting readiness, EC officers are expected to spend the night finalising layouts, sealing rooms and securing sensitive materials ahead of the morning handover.

Polling will take place tomorrow across all 73 state constituencies.

According to the EC, a total of 940 polling centres will operate for Sabah’s 17th state election, comprising 882 regular centres and 58 designated for early voting, serving 1,784,843 registered voters.