Tag: Polls

Johor Heads to the Polls as More Than 2.7 Million Voters Decide State’s Future

JOHOR BAHRU: More than 2.7 million registered voters across Johor are casting their ballots today in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN), as the state takes centre stage in one of Malaysia's most closely watched electoral contests. Polling officially began at 8am with 1,076 polling centres and 4,889 voting channels opening simultaneously across all 56 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) constituencies, following the conclusion of the 14-day campaign period at midnight. Polling stations will close in stages between 11am and 6pm, depending on their locations. Voting will end earliest at Pulau Besar at 11am, followed by Pulau Aur and Pulau Pemanggil at noon, before ballot counting begins later in the day. To ensure the electoral process proceeds smoothly, the Election Commission (EC) has deployed 43,036 election officers throughout Johor. Meanwhile, all 24,677 issued postal ballots must be returned before the 6pm deadline to be included in the official count. The EC is aiming for a voter turnout of approximately 70 per cent, a significant increase from the 54.92 per cent turnout recorded during the 2022 Johor state election. Official results are expected to be announced as early as 10pm tonight. Employers have also been reminded to provide employees with adequate time to fulfil their voting responsibilities. Earlier this week, 20,607 early voters, comprising members of the police, armed forces and their spouses, completed the early voting process. Weather conditions may affect voters in some parts of the state. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, morning rain is forecast for Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kulai, Muar, Pontian and Tangkak, while fair weather is expected later in the day. Thunderstorms are forecast in Kluang, Kota Tinggi and Segamat during the afternoon, with similar conditions expected in Mersing from the afternoon into the evening. A total of 172 candidates are contesting the election. Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are each fielding candidates in all 56 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) is contesting 33 seats. Parti Bersama Malaysia has nominated 15 candidates, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) is contesting four seats, while Parti Orang Asli Malaysia and Parti Sosialis Malaysia are each fielding one candidate. Six Independent candidates are also in the race. Before the Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, BN held 40 seats, followed by PH with 12, PN with three and MUDA with one seat. -- MINUTESMY

JOHOR BAHRU: More than 2.7 million registered voters across Johor are casting their ballots today in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN), as the state takes centre stage in one of Malaysia’s most closely watched electoral contests. Polling officially began at 8am with 1,076 polling centres and 4,889 voting channels opening simultaneously across all 56 […]