State legislative assembly by-elections in Kelantan : issues and trends, 1990-2005

Abstract

elantan has witnessed close competition between BN and PAS that intensified after PAS gained the control of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly since 1990. This intensity is further manifested in six by-elections contested by both parties. This research attempts to analyse the factors that shape or influence the outcomes of each by-election. The analysis was done by comparing the outcomes of the byelections, with the outcomes of the previous general election held in the particular constituency. The research finds that electoral outcomes in all the by-elections have witnessed reduction in majorities. It also finds that the voter turnout influences the outcomes of the by-elections in Kelantan. The research also concludes that some winner of the by-elections in Kelantan recorded slim majority. The findings help expose the complexity of the politics in Kelantan especially from 1990 until 2005.