Crowds began forming as early as 8.30am, with supporters from rival blocs gathering near the venue before marching towards the nomination hall.
The surrounding streets filled with party colours as groups arrived in waves, waving flags and shouting slogans.
Although police allowed only 50 supporters per party into the compound, hundreds more gathered outside the gates, lining the roads and sidewalks leading to the hall.
Supporters from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Warisan, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Upko, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) and several smaller Sabah-based parties packed the area outside the centre, creating a festive yet competitive atmosphere.
STAR supporters were heard teasing GRS members with “Justice for Sabah!” and “Sabah for Sabahans!”, prompting GRS supporters to reply with “Rumah kita, kita jaga!” and “Hidup GRS!”. PH supporters, meanwhile, rallied behind their familiar “Reformasi!” chants.
At the nomination centre, PH candidates Jannie Lasimbang and Remysta Taylor arrived with their entourage, accompanied by supporters as well as Selangor assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri and former Kapar MP Abdullah Sani.
Shortly after, GRS supporters marched in with Moyog candidate Joeynodd Aiiko Ronald Bansin, and were greeted by cheers and flag-waving.
A sizeable group backing independent candidates also made their presence known, gathering behind a black-and-white banner emblazoned with the words “Black Wave”.
Warisan candidates Terence Siambun and Chin Tek Ming arrived later, flanked by party members and joined by deputy president and former Moyog assemblyman Darell Leiking.
Election officials opened the nomination centre at 9am, with multi-cornered contests expected to be announced for both Kapayan and Moyog .
Nominations closed at 10am, after which returning officers will formally announce the confirmed list of candidates for both seats.
Campaigning begins today and will run for 14 days, ending at 11.59pm on Nov 28.
According to data from the Election Commission, 1,784,843 voters are eligible to vote in the election based on the electoral roll as of August.
The Sabah election will be held on Nov 29, with early voting taking place on Nov 25.