BN takes early lead in Nenggiri by-election - Umno secretary-general

SHAH ALAM - Barisan Nasional (BN) appears to have gained an early advantage in the Nenggiri state assembly by-election in Kelantan, according to unofficial results declared by Umno secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

BN candidate Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani has reportedly secured 1,229 votes, placing him significantly ahead of Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Rizwadi Ismail, who recently transitioned from Pas to Bersatu.

Asyraf Wajdi, in a Facebook post, shared that BN has emerged victorious in four polling districts that closed early—Tohoi, Sungai Puian, Kuala Sungai, and Sungai Jenera.

"So far, in the first four polling districts that have closed, BN has received 1,229 votes, while Pas has received 226 votes. BN has won in these first four polling districts," he said.

Breaking down the results, Asyraf highlighted that in the Tohoi polling district, BN received 330 votes, with Pas receiving 28, leading to a BN majority of 302 votes.

In the Sungai Puian polling district, BN secured 305 votes against Pas's 5 votes, resulting in a 300-vote majority for BN.

Similarly, in the Sungai Jenera polling district, BN garnered 440 votes compared to Pas's 88, giving BN a 352-vote majority.

In the Kuala Sungai polling district, BN obtained 154 votes, while Pas received 105, resulting in a 49-vote majority for BN.

The official vote count will take place at Dewan Perdana in the Perdana Complex, with results expected to be announced by returning officer Nik Raisnan Daud as early as 9pm.

The Nenggiri state by-election featured a direct contest between Mohd Azmawi Fikri, representing the Unity Government, and Pas candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, representing PN.

The by-election was necessitated after the seat was declared vacant by Kelantan state assembly speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah on June 19, following the removal of former incumbent Mohd Azizi Abu Naim as a member by Bersatu on June 13.