A historic field of 596 candidates representing 24 political parties will compete in Sabah's 17th state election across 73 constituencies, according to Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun. The nomination process concluded at 25 centers throughout the state, confirming the largest candidate pool in Sabah's electoral history. Among the contenders are 74 independents, while Parti Warisan leads party participation with 73 candidates, followed by Parti Impian Sabah with 72 and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah with 55.
Women comprise just 71% of the total candidates. The Tulit constituency features the most competitive race with 14 candidates vying for one seat, and multiple constituencies face 10 or more contenders. Mohd Syafiq Iqhmal Saharudin from PKS, at 24 years old, is the youngest candidate running in Silam, while 86-year-old Thomas Anggan from PKS competing in Bingkor is the oldest.
The 2020 Sabah election saw 447 candidates contest the same number of seats, representing a substantial increase in political participation this cycle.
Women comprise just 71% of the total candidates. The Tulit constituency features the most competitive race with 14 candidates vying for one seat, and multiple constituencies face 10 or more contenders. Mohd Syafiq Iqhmal Saharudin from PKS, at 24 years old, is the youngest candidate running in Silam, while 86-year-old Thomas Anggan from PKS competing in Bingkor is the oldest.
The 2020 Sabah election saw 447 candidates contest the same number of seats, representing a substantial increase in political participation this cycle.
