THE countdown to the 17th Sabah State Election intensifies as 24,426 early voters prepare to cast their ballots on Tuesday, marking the first phase of the electoral process.
According to official figures, 11,697 early voters comprise military personnel and their spouses, while 12,729 are members of the police force and their families.
Voting will take place across 58 designated early polling centres, which will open simultaneously at 8 a.m. and close in a staggered schedule across the state.
Key locations include the Sabah Police Contingent Headquarters, district police stations, and military camps throughout Sabah.
Authorities have confirmed that ballots cast during early voting will not be counted immediately, with the official tally scheduled for polling day on November 29.
Once early voting concludes, attention will fully shift to the general electorate as candidates gear up for the decisive day.
This election sees a total of 596 candidates vying for 73 seats in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, including 74 independents.
The campaigning period, which began on November 15, will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on November 28, setting the stage for a final push in what is expected to be a tightly contested race.
The early vote represents a significant milestone in ensuring the participation of security personnel, whose votes are pivotal in shaping the state’s political landscape ahead of the official election day. - November 24, 2025
