VOTER participation in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election reached 59.03 per cent by 3pm today, with more than half a million registered voters having cast their ballots as authorities monitored a largely peaceful polling process across the state.
The Election Commission (EC) said 507,536 out of 859,760 registered voters had exercised their right to vote by mid-afternoon.
Kota state constituency recorded the highest turnout at 65.5 per cent, followed by Seri Menanti at 64.6 per cent and Chennah at 64.5 per cent.
Lukut recorded the lowest turnout at 52.9 per cent as of 3pm.
The latest figures showed a stronger voting pace compared with the 15th Negeri Sembilan state election in 2023, when turnout stood at 56.05 per cent or 469,789 out of 838,200 registered voters at the same period.
The higher participation rate comes as political parties await the final verdict from voters across the state’s 36 constituencies, with turnout expected to play a key role in determining the strength of the eventual mandate.
Meanwhile, police said the election campaign period ended with 92 reports received and 24 investigation papers (IPs) opened over alleged offences.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said most cases involved minor incidents linked to party supporters or members, including vandalism involving campaign materials such as banners, flags and posters.
He added that four reports involving alleged attempts to offer money to voters were also being investigated.
“The offences reported were minor offences such as vandalism involving banners, flags and posters belonging to contesting parties.
“So far, there have been no police reports involving candidates directly, and overall the state election process across all 36 state constituencies has proceeded well, smoothly and safely,” he told reporters after inspecting the voting process at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) King George V today.
Mohd Khalid said investigations into the reported offences were being conducted under several laws, including the Election Offences Act 1954, the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
On the investigation involving Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, he said police officers had been assigned to Kedah to record his statement and complete the investigation papers before submitting the case to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
To ensure public safety during polling day and after the results announcement, Mohd Khalid said 5,500 police officers and personnel had been deployed throughout Negeri Sembilan.
He said 26 locations identified as potential hotspots had been placed under closer surveillance, while two special teams equipped with body cameras were stationed in each state constituency to monitor developments.
“We urge all political parties and supporters to remain disciplined, comply with the law and maintain public order after the election results are announced,” he said.
Security measures will also be strengthened at strategic locations, including the Negeri Sembilan State Government offices and the royal palace, to prevent any disruption to public order.
The election involves 859,760 registered voters, including 7,391 postal voters, who are choosing representatives for the 36 state seats.
Early voting on July 28 recorded a turnout of 91.06 per cent, involving 14,995 early voters. - August 1, 2026
