The election was deferred following the death of PH candidate M Karupaiya just days before polling.

Besides Sofee, the five other candidates remained the same – Asman Nasrudin (Perikatan Nasional), C Sivarraajh (Barisan Nasional), Hamzah Abdul Rahman (Pejuang), Bakri Hashim (Warisan) and independent K Sreanandha Rao.

Bakri was not present for today’s nominations as it was not compulsory.

Sofee, who is the Kedah PKR secretary, was revealed as PH’s candidate last night. While there were reports of unhappiness over his candidacy among PKR grassroots members, Sofee maintained that all members should abide by the party’s decision.

In the meantime, he said, he will devote his time to holding conciliatory talks with grassroots members and working hard on the campaign trail.

“Filling the late Karupaiya’s shoes is a big responsibility. I will win this seat for PH,” he said.

Kedah PN chairman Sanusi Md Nor said he was confident the coalition would have an “easy win” in Padang Serai.

“PN will add one more seat in Padang Serai and a state seat in Tioman, based on the current political wave where voters have rejected PH and BN. It will be easy for us to win,” he said.

Polling will be held on Dec 7 and early voting on Dec 3.

There are 133,867 voters in the constituency, comprising 62% Malays, 19% Indians, 17% Chinese and 0.7% others.