A total of 162 of the 188 early voters for the Tanjong Datu by-election came out to cast their votes at two polling centres here today.

The Election Commission (EC), which announced the turnout percentage every hour since the two polling stations opened at 8 am, in a text message informed of an 86.2 per cent voter turnout as at 5 pm, soon after the polling booths were closed.

The two polling centres were at the Kampung Sungai Lundu community hall and ULS Sampadi hall, for military personnel.

Despite rain in the morning and A slight drizzle in afternoon, the voting process went smoothly, without any problems.

The Tanjong Datu by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent and Sarawak's fifth Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the age of 72 from heart complications on Jan 11 at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.

Polling for the three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional (BN), Sarawak Reform Party (STAR) and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) is this Saturday (Feb 18). - BERNAMA