BN wants to win 'fair and square'

A total of 143 voting channels in 36 polling centres were opened from 8am today to enable 80,229 electorates to cast their votes for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, Bernama reported today.

The polling centres are located at the Yayasan Islam Terengganu al-Quran and Fardu Ain learning centre in Jalan Hiliran as well as in schools and multipurpose halls around the city.

Voters are expected to cast their votes early to take advantage of the fair weather in the morning.

The Meteorological Department had forecast that there would be rain in the afternoon.

PAS hopes for convincing victory

The by-election is a three-way fight between Barisan Nasional's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut and an Independent candidate, Azharudin Mamat @ Adam.

It is held following the death of Deputy Education Minister Datuk Razali Ismail on Nov 28.

In the 12th general election in March, Razali defeated Mohamad Sabu of Pas and an Independent candidate, Maimun Yusuf, with a 628-vote majority.

Traffic in the city was under control, with vehicles carrying party flags seen plying the streets, while police personnel were stationing themselves in strategic locations.

The Election Commission expects a 90 per cent voter turnout.

The opposition has accused the government of dirty tricks including vote-buying and coercion, and the returning officer quit two days ago amid allegations he had pressured civil servants to support the government.

BN wants to wing 'fair and square'

Ahmad Farid has rejected the allegations and said he wants to win "fair and square".

As he cast his vote, PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid said he was hoping for a convincing victory.

"I'm quite happy with the support shown by the Malay and Chinese voters," he told AFP .

"Whether it turns into votes is another matter, I leave the outcome of this election to the voters and to Allah."