SABAH'S 17th General Election (PRN17) is set to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years, with over 3,300 nomination forms sold ahead of today’s nomination process.
The Election Commission (EC) confirmed that a total of 3,334 sets of forms have been sold across the state since the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on October 6, marking a high level of interest in this year’s race for the 73 state assembly seats.
The forms, which have been made available at district offices, municipal councils, and EC offices throughout Sabah, are priced at RM20 each.
The nomination process will begin at 9am and close at 10am, with the Election Commission ensuring that all submissions are processed before the final list of eligible candidates is announced.
According to EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, all preparations are in place, including necessary logistical support and stable internet connectivity, to ensure a smooth process across the state’s 25 nomination centres.
“Preparations are fully in place. We have all the necessary logistical facilities, including stable internet connectivity and other support systems,” said Ramlan, who has recently visited several nomination centres in Kudat, Tenom, and Sipitang.
This election is shaping up to be an exceptionally crowded one, with several political parties contesting all 73 seats.
Warisan, PPRS, and PIS have all confirmed their candidates for each constituency, while GRS will field candidates in 55 constituencies, BN in 45, and PN in 41.
Smaller parties such as STAR Sabah and KDM are also actively involved, with each contesting 40 constituencies.
Additionally, 17 independent candidates are running under the “Black Wave” banner. Some constituencies are expected to feature up to 12 or 13 candidates, making for highly competitive races.
Political heavyweights are also preparing for tight contests in their respective strongholds.
Key figures include GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is defending his N12 Sulaman seat, and BN Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is seeking re-election in Lamag. STAR Sabah President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan will also defend his Tambunan seat, while PAS Sabah Commissioner Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan is running in Karambunai.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue, family-linked contests are also drawing attention.
In Melalap, Priscella Peter of KDM, daughter of incumbent Datuk Peter Anthony, will make her electoral debut.
In Sindumin and Sungai Manila, Tun Musa Aman’s sons are entering the fray, with Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa contesting Sindumin under PKR and Hazem Mubarak Musa running as the GRS candidate in Sungai Manila.
The Bahanda family, known for their political involvement, will also feature prominently, with three siblings standing for election in northern Sabah.
With the election period officially kicking off, supporters are expected to gather at nomination centres as early as 7 am, eager to witness the high-stakes nominations.
Meanwhile, the police have heightened security measures, with 9,300 officers being deployed across the state, including 4,300 at the nomination centres.
The police will also be focusing on 15 identified hotspots, particularly in Kota Kinabalu and along the east coast, to maintain order throughout the election process.
The election campaign officially begins after the nomination period ends, with candidates having until November 28 to secure voter support.
Early voting is scheduled for November 25, with polling day set for November 29. A total of 1,784,843 electors are eligible to cast their votes, including military and police personnel and their families.
With political power hanging in the balance and the number of candidates at a record high, Sabah’s election is set to be one of the most closely watched in recent history. - November 15, 2025
