Wide disparity in voter numbers under S’wak redelineation, says DAP

Sarawak DAP has raised concerns over the significant disparity in voter numbers between constituencies in the Election Commission's proposed redelineation for the state assembly. With the assembly expanding from 82 to 99 seats, DAP's analysis suggests that each constituency should ideally have around 20,582 voters. However, the party found that 49 of the 99 seats fall outside the reasonable benchmark of 15,000 to 26,000 voters.

Twenty-four of these constituencies have fewer than 15,000 voters, while 25 have more than 26,000. The disparity is particularly pronounced between rural and urban constituencies, with examples like Pelagus having 10,372 voters and Piasau with 34,546 voters, where the latter has more than three times as many voters. Chong Chieng Jen, DAP's state chief, questioned equal representation and whether voters in different constituencies would have equal electoral weight.

The Election Commission has since posted notices at various locations in each parliamentary constituency in Sarawak to allow constituents to submit objections or representations concerning the proposed constituencies, with the public objection process running until September 30.