KUALA LUMPUR: The voter turnout for the six state elections and a by-election in Terengganu, as of 3pm today, had exceeded 90 per cent during the early voting period.
According to latest statistics from the Election Commission (EC), 93 per cent of eligible early voters cast their votes in Kedah and Terengganu respectively, 91 per cent in Selangor and Negri Sembilan, and 90 per cent in Kelantan and Penang.
A 92 per cent turnout was recorded for the Kuala Terengganu by-election.
Early voting began at 8am today and is expected to be concluded at 5pm.
According to EC's statistics, there are 49,660 military personnel and 47,728 police personnel with their respective spouses in all the six states.
For the Kuala Terengganu by-election, 1,362 police personnel and 35 military personnel, with their spouses, cast their vote today.
The figures were based on registered personnel as of June 21.
A total of 260 early voting centres involving 377 channels for the six state elections were opened simultaneously, including three voting centres at the Terengganu police contingent headquarters (IPK) for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.
When there is an election, the EC will determine the nomination date and polling date for the general public, as well as a date for early voting for specific groups, which is typically several days prior to the voting day for the general public.
Certain groups were given permission for advance voting since GE13 following the amendment to Regulation 27A of the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981.
According to EC, the groups which are eligible for early voting as per the regulations are military personnel and their spouses; General Operations Force (PGA) and their spouses; and policemen.
However, the military personnel, PGA and the police can apply for postal voting if they are on duty on early voting day.
The counting of votes of the early voting will only be done after the members of the public have cast their votes on Saturday.
A total of 245 state seats will be contested, including 36 in Kedah; 45 in Kelantan; 32 in Terengganu; 40 in Penang; 56 in Selangor and 36 in Negri Sembilan.
Nomination of the candidates was held on July 29 while voting day is on Saturday.