PN routed in Nenggiri, worst by-election performance

Perikatan Nasional’s defeat in Nenggiri was also its worst by-election performance since the 15th general election.

Previously, even in contests it lost, such as in Pulai and Simpang Jeram, PN managed to either increase or maintain its vote share.

However, the reverse was true today.

Based on official results, PN’s vote share in the Kelantan state seat shrunk from 53.3 percent in the state election last year to 38.7 percent.

The total number of ballots it received also declined from 6,517 to 5,739.

PN’s election operations director for Nenggiri, Annuar Musa, had claimed that over 2,000 PN supporters skipped the polls today because BN allegedly bought votes.

He did not explain the correlation between these two claims.

However, the higher turnout and results at the polling districts suggest there was instead a swing among voters towards BN.

Between last year’s state election and the by-election today, there was only an additional 40 registered voters.

However, turnout this time around was significantly higher at 73.9 percent compared to 61 percent last year.

BN’s vote share also shot up to 61.3 percent compared to 46.7 percent, while its total votes received increased by 3,384 to 9,091.

This was reflected in polling district data, in which BN won 17 out of 20 districts, compared to just seven last year.

Even in districts that it lost - Ladang SEDC, Kesedar Limau Kasturi, and Pasir Tumboh - BN managed to decrease PN’s majority there from three figures in each district to double digits.

Causes for the flip

BN’s win in Nenggiri is the first time since GE15 that a seat has changed hands.

What exactly motivated the flip towards BN is unclear as of now.

One reason being speculated is a possible rebellion from Bersatu.

Nenggiri was officially contested by Bersatu, but the candidate, Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, had been parachuted in from PAS just two days before nomination day - while candidates proposed by Bersatu were sidelined.

Other notable developments during the campaign included the installation of an ATM on Aug 15 at a minimarket in Kampung Jerek which would benefit some 30,000 locals.

Previously, Nenggiri residents had to travel 50km to Gua Musang town to withdraw money from ATMs.

The government further unveiled a pay hike scheme for civil servants yesterday.

This was also the first by-election in which DAP - Umno’s long-time bogeyman turned ally - did not participate in campaigning.

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