IT’S on. Malaysia goes to the polls on Sunday, May 5, 2013. In the days ahead, the names of candidates will be released by both sides.

But voters will have to wait until Nomination Day on April 20 to get the definitive and complete list of who will be stepping forward to offer themselves as candidates for the 13th general election.

Without doubt, Malaysians have been exposed to the longest political chess game ever following the last general election in March 2008.

It was when the political tsunami hit us that the game suddenly became interesting.

And so, in these past five years, both sides have been involved in skirmishes and protracted strategising. Political pawns have graduated into stronger pieces, while some strong pieces have fallen by the wayside.

We have now reached the endgame.

Making all the right moves in a game of chess comes early, in the opening and middle game. In the endgame, victory goes to the player who does not make a wrong move.

The political supremos, like the chess grandmasters, can now plan their final strategies, one move at a time, in this final stretch to win over the court of public opinion. There are fewer moves left and the clock is ticking.

Both sides will now seek to checkmate the other. A stalemate is not an option.

The manifestos have been released but the real battle on the ground will be determined by who the candidates are, and where they are standing. After the nominations are completed, we will get a clearer picture of how the game will end.

For the Malaysian voter, it is his duty to cast the vote, in secrecy, and without fear or favour come May 5.

In the days ahead, as campaigning gets more and more heated, the voter must think with a clear head and not let emotion get the better of him.

There is no need to quibble over the length of the official campaigning period because we have all been exposed to a politically-charged atmosphere for far too long.

The candidates, from whichever side of the political divide, must seek support through fair means.

We want to see democracy in full bloom where you have every right to present your case, but not claim premature victory simply by the news-grabbing potential of your arguments or the size of your ceramah crowds.

At the end of the day, the people’s verdict, as delivered through the ballot box, reigns supreme.

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