By: Mike Paul
Kota Kinabalu, Nov 15 — Sabah’s 17th State Election has set a new record, with 596 candidates contesting all 73 state assembly seats. The Election Commission (SPR) confirmed the figures following nomination day, which proceeded smoothly across 25 centers statewide.
Independent candidates lead the pack with 74 entries, while Parti Warisan (WARISAN) fields candidates in every constituency. Other major players include Parti Impian Sabah (72), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (55), STAR (46), Barisan Nasional (45), Perikatan Nasional (42), and KDM (40). Smaller parties such as UPKO, Pakatan Harapan, and Anak Negeri also fielded candidates, alongside niche movements like RUMPUN, SAPP, and ASPIRASI.
The election is expected to be fiercely contested, with multi-cornered fights dominating the landscape. One constituency will see 14 candidates, while others range between four and 13 contenders. Analysts note that such fragmentation could split votes and produce unexpected results.
SPR chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun confirmed that no nominations were rejected, emphasizing the transparency of the process. He highlighted that the diversity of candidates reflects Sabah’s dynamic political environment, where both national coalitions and local parties seek influence.
The PRN comes at a critical time for Sabah, as issues of development, autonomy, and representation dominate public discourse. With campaigning now underway, voters will face a wide array of choices, making this one of the most unpredictable elections in recent memory.
- TNS News