PERMATANG PAUH, May 7 — Voting opened at 8am today in the Permatang Pauh by-election that was once thought to be a shoo-in for PKR but may result in a shock defeat due to a possible low voter turnout.
Voters started gathering at the gates of polling centers in the parliamentary constituency as early as 7.30am to cast their ballots.
One of the first few voters is centenarian Othman Daud who arrived at SK Seri Penanti at exactly 8am.
The 103-year-old from Tanah Liat came accompanied by his relative and declined the offer for use of a wheelchair.
“This is my 14th time voting, I’ve never missed casting my vote in any election,” he said while showing off his left fore finger covered in indelible ink after voting.
Only two candidates contesting in the by-election, PKR’s Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Barisan Nasional’s Suhaimi Sabudin, will be casting their votes today.
The PRM candidate Azman Shah Othman and independent candidate Salleh Isahak are not voters in this constituency.
Today is a public holiday in Penang, so more voters are expected to turn up to cast their ballot.
Suhaimi, accompanied by his aide, arrived at about 8.10am at SMK Guar Perahu.
He shook hands with several voters waiting in line and were happily greeted by some.
Dr Wan Azizah, accompanied by her aides, arrived at the SK Seri Penanti at about 8.30am.
Her arrival was cheered by crowds of Pakatan Rakyat supporters gathered down the road who shouted support for their candidate.
A total 549 policemen, military personnel and their spouses already voted on May 3. There are a total of 71,252 ordinary voters that can cast their ballots today.
Polling closes at 5pm where ballots will be counted at each polling centers.
