SEREMBAN: As the Election Commission has fixed the dates for nomination and polling for the upcoming state elections, political parties are looking for polling and counting agents known as PACAs.

While candidacies have yet to be announced, many incumbents who are still responsible for state constituencies have started to prepare for the elections.

Many are recruiting workers through party members.

More polling agents and counting agents are required than in previous elections as the number of voters has increased with the age eligibility for voting now lowered to 18.

PACAs recruited in the last general election will likely be retained while some might need to recruit a few more.

PACAs are recruited through online platforms and offline events.

Incumbent Bukit Kepayang state assemblyman Tan Lee Koon targets to recruit 300 PACAs.

When she contested in the 14th general election, the number of registered voters in Bukit Kepayang was 26,610. The number has since increased to 46,254 voters this time.

The number of voting streams has also increased from 46 in 2018 to 89 last year and 95 now, she said.

More PACAs are needed to be stationed at polling centers.

Negeri Sembilan Gerakan chairman Gary Lee Ban Fatt said at least 490 PACAs will be required for Negeri Sembilan, where the party is contesting six state seats.

“We are recruiting volunteers and PACAs through party, friends and family members.

“We do not have a lot of resources. We look for help to recruit. Recruitment through Facebook has not been very successful,” he said.