With nominations to be filed tomorrow for the Batu Sapi by-election in Sabah, 26 forms have been sold to four political parties and 11 Independents.

The four parties are SAPP, BN, PKR and Barisan Rakyat Sabah Bersekutu, a Sabah-based opposition party.

A multi-cornere azlan d fight is therefore expected for the parliamentary seat, noted Election Commission (EC) chairperson Abd Aziz Mohd Yusof (left) .

He was speaking to reporters today after inspecting preparations at the Sandakan Community Hall, which will serve as the nomination centre.

He said that SAPP had told the EC that only about 100 supporters will accompany its candidate Yong Teck Lee to the nomination centre. They will be accommodated under a marquee.

For Pakatan and BN, a specific area will be cordoned off by the police to allow their supporters to rally.

Abd Aziz called on the two political coalitions not to mobilise too many supporters as this would affect traffic and disrupt the lives of the public.

"If there are many supporters, I wish to advise them to be ethical, and not use words or body language that could provoke other parties."

azlan Abd Aziz reiterated that political parties will not be allowed to set up pondok panas on polling day on Nov 4.

In addition, only the parties involved in the contest can put up their logo and flag during the campaign period.

Asked if the election turnout would be affected since polling day is a working day, Abd Aziz said there is little correlation between the two.

The Manek Urai by-election fell on a working day but the turnout was 83 percent, one of the highest for a by-election. The Bagan Pinang by-election was held on a holiday but the turnout was only about 70 percent.

"What I can confirm is that if it is a holiday, there will be many party supporters."

Postal votes on Nov 2

BN candidate Linda Tsen Thau Lin appeared at the centre towards the end of the press conference, to submit documents related to her nomination.

Linda Tsen batu sapi candidate group photo On the advice of party leaders who accompanied her, Tsen (left) refused to make a statement, saying that campaigning has yet to start.

Of the 12 polling stations in Batu Sapi, two will close earlier than the scheduled time of 5pm as there are fewer voters in those locations. These are Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Timbang (3pm) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Segaliud (4pm).

There are 1,535 postal votes in the constituency, of which 601 are from TLDM Sandakan, 271 from IPD Sandakan and 663 from PGA Sandakan.

Those concerned will start voting from Nov 2 and, on polling day, their ballots will be sent for counting to the Sandakan Forestry Department.

The seat was declared vacant upon the death of BN incumbent Edmond Chong Ket Wah in a road accident.