Election Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said that never before in the history of Malaysian elections has there been such a large number of candidates for one seat.

Returning officer Datuk Abdullah Mat Akhir announced at noon yesterday that although nine objections were received against the candidates, none of the nominations were rejected.

All the candidates filed their papers by 9.50am yesterday. The one-hour objection period ended at 11am. They consist of 13 independent candidates with the other two from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

The EC also announced the candidates’ numbers in the ballot papers and their respective logos. The first name on the ballot paper is independent candidate R. Loganathan who will be using the oil palm logo.

The others are Tan Hock Huat (key), Radzi Md Lazim (chair), S. Manikumar (PKR), Mohd Fazil Abdul Wahab (tiger’s head), Abdul Rahim Abu (alarm clock), L. Sarala (bicycle), Datuk S. Ganesan (Barisan Nasional), A. Jayagopal (umbrella), S. Moganakumar (book), Khamis Awang (rooster), Husaini Yaacob (bus), Venason Michael (fish), Major (Rtd) Anuar Abdul Hamid (telephone) and T. Chandrarajan (aeroplane).

There was a carnival-like atmosphere as thousands converged outside SMK Teknik 1 to support their candidates. Some used drums to show their support but were given a stern warning by the police. Kedah police chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Syed Ismail Syed Azizan confirmed that the process went smoothly.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Wanita MCA chief Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen were among those present to show their support for the Barisan candidate.

On the Pakatan side, among those present were Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak and PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.

- The Star -