Romzi Ationg, a political researcher at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), said voter preferences may be slightly affected because of the crowded field of 447 candidates contesting in the 73 constituencies.

“The appearance of new faces, the return of old parties and the increase in the number of candidates and political parties will give voters a hard time. They will be confused as to whom they should vote for,” he told Bernama.

He said he based his opinion on the findings he compiled from his walkabouts and interviews with voters in more than 40 constituencies.

“This election is making voters decide cautiously as every vote will count in determining the victory of a candidate and political party,” he said, adding that the strength of a party and credibility of a candidate will be among the key factors.

Romzi also said there will be vote-splitting because of the large number of candidates as well as cases of friendly parties pitting their choices against one another.

“When there are more than two candidates (from friendly parties), these candidates will split their common supporters’ votes and, possibly hand victory to a less-preferred candidate, even the least-preferred one,” he said.

“This happened in previous elections in our country and in other countries,” he said.

Romzi also said elected representatives who had not performed well may force voters to support new faces.

Two major alliances (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Warisan Plus), eight parties and 56 independents are vying for the 73 seats up for grabs.

A total of 1.12 million voters are eligible to go to the polls on Saturday.

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