A record 596 candidates have registered to compete for 73 legislative seats in Sabah's state election, representing a substantial increase from the 447 contenders during the previous contest. Election Commission chairman Ramlan Harun confirmed that nominations included 525 men and 71 women across 23 political parties, with no applications rejected during the filing period.
Parti Warisan leads with candidates in all constituencies, while Parti Impian Sabah fielded 72 nominees and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah submitted 55. The crowded ballot has produced extraordinary multi-candidate races, with Tulid facing a 14-way contest and four constituencies experiencing 13-way battles. Among notable participants are four federal deputy ministers, former entrepreneur development head Ewon Benedick, two sons of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, and two former chief ministers, including Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Entertainment personalities entering the political arena include actor Abu Bakar Ellah and veteran performer John Samud, while former sports figures Henry Soimpon and Jekerison Kilan will also appear on ballots. Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun reported that the nomination process proceeded without incident or official complaints.
Parti Warisan leads with candidates in all constituencies, while Parti Impian Sabah fielded 72 nominees and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah submitted 55. The crowded ballot has produced extraordinary multi-candidate races, with Tulid facing a 14-way contest and four constituencies experiencing 13-way battles. Among notable participants are four federal deputy ministers, former entrepreneur development head Ewon Benedick, two sons of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, and two former chief ministers, including Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Entertainment personalities entering the political arena include actor Abu Bakar Ellah and veteran performer John Samud, while former sports figures Henry Soimpon and Jekerison Kilan will also appear on ballots. Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun reported that the nomination process proceeded without incident or official complaints.
