MELAKA, Oct 30 – The 16th Melaka state election enters its official phase tomorrow, October 31, when candidates submit their nomination papers for 28 State Legislative Assembly seats.
The nomination process will take place at 28 centres across the state, between 9 am and 10 am.
After the process, returning officers will announce the final list of eligible candidates. The announcement will mark the start of a 14-day election campaign.
The Election Commission (EC) has set November 14 as polling day. Meanwhile, early voting will take place on November 10.
More Than 687,000 Voters Eligible to Vote
A total of 687,697 voters are eligible to participate in the Melaka state election.
According to EC statistics, the electorate consists of:
- 675,166 ordinary voters
- 9,769 military personnel and their spouses
- 2,762 police personnel
Political parties have also begun announcing their candidates ahead of nomination day.
The lists include incumbent representatives, new candidates and former political leaders seeking a return to the state assembly.
PH and BN Announce Their Candidates
Pakatan Harapan (PH) will contest 24 of the 28 state seats.
Its candidate allocation is:
- PKR: 10 seats
- DAP: Seven seats
- Amanah: Seven seats
Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) will contest 22 seats.
UMNO will field 18 candidates, while MCA will contest three seats and MIC one.
PN, Bersatu and Bersama Prepare for the Contest
Perikatan Nasional (PN) has announced candidates for five seats so far.
PAS and Parti Wawasan Negara will each contest two seats, while Gerakan will field one candidate. The candidate for another seat has yet to be finalised.
Bersatu is expected to contest eight seats.
Meanwhile, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has announced plans to field 16 candidates.
EC Records 189 Nomination Forms Sold
Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said 189 nomination forms had been sold as of Thursday night.
Of these, 45 prospective candidates had paid their election deposits.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus also reminded candidates to complete their nomination documents before the deadline.
Candidates must submit their papers through the returning officer. They must also provide proof of deposit payment.
Those representing political parties must bring an authorisation letter to use their party symbols.
Favourable Weather Forecast for Nomination Day
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecast favourable weather conditions across Melaka on nomination day.
The state assembly was officially dissolved on September 23 with the consent of Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
In the previous state election in 2021, BN won 21 of the 28 seats.
Pakatan Harapan secured five seats, while Perikatan Nasional won two.
The upcoming election will determine the political representation of all 28 constituencies in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
