Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-election: 22 candidate nomination forms sold, says EC

A total of 22 candidate nomination forms have been sold for the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections in Johor, according to Bernama. The Johor Elections Office reported that the forms were purchased by Amanah, Perikatan Nasional (PN), and independent candidates. In the Simpang Jeram state election, Amanah bought three sets of nomination forms, PAS bought two, PN bought five, and independent candidates bought two.

Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak, the Election Commission (EC) secretary, stated that the candidate nomination forms must be submitted to the returning officer (RO) on Nomination Day, which falls on August 26. The Pulai parliamentary seat nomination center is Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim in Johor Baru, while for the Simpang Jeram state seat, it is Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim in Muar.

The EC encourages all candidates to complete their forms and conduct an early check at the RO’s office or the Johor Elections Office before Nomination Day. Potential candidates are advised to make their deposit payment early and provide the payment receipt as proof during Nomination Day. Candidates representing a political party should bring an approval letter stating their eligibility to use the party’s symbols.

Each candidate is allowed to be accompanied by one proposer and one seconder as they enter the nomination center. However, political campaigning using musical instruments, microphones, or vehicles is prohibited on Nomination Day under the Election Offences Act 1954. Additionally, all public personnel and supporters accompanying the candidates are prohibited from entering within 50 meters of the nomination center borders.

Ikmalrudin emphasized the importance for all candidates and politicians to adhere to the laws, rules, and instructions given by the EC, police, and local authorities to ensure a smooth nomination process without any issues. The Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat in Johor became vacant following the death of the previous incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23.

The EC has scheduled Nomination Day for both by-elections on August 26, early voting on September 5, and Polling Day on September 9.