The sentiments of Sabahans towards an opposition-less state legislative assembly and no opposition representative from Sabah in parliament is seen as one of the major factors that will determine the outcome of the Gaya by-election results today.

Political observers in the state are saying that the voting pattern will be on whether Sabahans want to continue with a total BN control of their state or to change the status quo.

Since Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) rejoined the coalition early this year after 12 years in the opposition, Sabah is now without a single opposition lawmaker.

BN, Keadilan and DAP will get the opportunity to gauge such sentiments in the polls as the people cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, be it Liew Teck Chan, Christina Liew or Hiew King Cheu respectively.

In their campaign, the BN has been singing tunes of continued development and teamwork apart from countering issues brought up by their opponents in their bid to convince the people that all is fine in their monopoly of the seats.

Keadilan and DAP, however, have been working round the clock urging the people to put them in power and ensure that a sole opposition voice sits in parliament for Sabah. It's either that or the two opposition parties are trying to find out just how far they are accepted by the people in the constituency.

DAP and Keadilan have undoubtedly gained the attention of the Chinese voters that make up the majority in the constituency at 38 percent but how many will actually turn up to vote today remains to be seen. This morning, the turnout was reported to be low, particularly in the Kadazandusun areas.