Several problems ranging from money politics, disregard for election rules and faulty voter registration list tarnish Sarawak's eighth state elections this year.

Despite an average of 60 percent turnout rate in the morning, helpers and voters on both sides of the political divide complained they were unhappy with the election process.

A voter from Sebandi Matang (Asajaya), Mohamad Nasir, who ferried his relatives to vote at Semariang Batu (Semariang) said his family and friends were given RM10 at Barisan Nasional's pondok panas (election counter) before entering the polling station.

"After voting, we were asked to go to a shop nearby to eat for free," Mohamad told malaysiakini , showing a yellow envelope containing the money.

Mohamad said this was a normal practice every election and the amount of money varied according to the perceived strength of the incumbent party in a constituency.

Samariang is mostly populated by the Malay-Melanau (89.2 percent), followed by the Iban (9.4 percent), Chinese (1.3 percent) and others (0.1 percent).

Yesterday, malaysiakini reported that pro-opposition supporters will be offered money at polling stations today and that many will be obliged to vote for the giver.

Four candidates will be facing a tough fight for the seat: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's Sharifah Mordiah Tunku Fauzi (the BN candidate), PAS' Mohamad Shokri Ahmad Fauzi, Keadilan's Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi and Independent candidate Ariffin Abang Anuar.

Pundits are predicting Keadilan has a good chance of snatching it.

Dead 'voters'

In Siol Kandi (Samariang), Esther, who is BN's women chief for the area, complained that the Election Commission was inefficient.

"Even the names of people who have been dead about 25 years are still on this list. For the past one hour, we have detected 38 names," she said.

"Names of people who have shifted are still on this list, while those who have been voting here for the past 20 years cannot find their names," she added.

Rokiah, a Keadilan helper at Siol Kandi, complained that many who registered at the BN pondok panas were told to spoil their votes.

She said voters also told her that at the polling station, they were issued ballot papers which were smeared with candle wax.

"If this is the case, then there will be lots of spoilt votes, just wait and see," she said, adding that the voters will be filing their complaints with the Election Commission.

Crossing the line

In Sematang Batu (Samariang), Keadilan volunteer Kak Zah said that she was angry because BN helpers were allowed to go beyond the prohibited point at the polling stations.

"When we ask to go in we are not allowed by the polling people. Despite posters saying that no party helpers can cross the line, the BN helpers can. This is not fair," she complained.

Kak Zah said she would monitor the situation and file a complaint either with the police or an election commissioner.

Meanwhile, a pleased Mohamad Zain, a BN helper, said his polling station at Samariang Pinggir which has 642 voters registered a turnout of about 70 percent by 11am.

He said voters were very disciplined, and police and Rela officers were around to ensure that the polls would proceed smoothly.