TAPAH, April 12 -- The nomination centre for the Ayer Kuning state by-election at Dewan Merdeka here opened at 9 am today.

Parties and candidates intending to contest are given one hour to file their nomination papers, after which Returning Officer Ahmad Redhauddin Ahmad Shokori will announce the names of eligible candidates.

The by-election is called following the death of its incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, on Feb 22.

The EC has set the polling day for the state by-election on April 26, while early voting is on April 22.

The campaign period is for 14 days starting after the declaration of candidates until 11.59 pm on April 25.

The Ayer Kuning state constituency has 31,897 registered voters, consisting of 31,315 ordinary voters and 582 police personnel and their spouses.

In GE 15, Ishsam, representing Barisan Nasional (BN), won with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered fight.