VOTING in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election officially ended at 6pm today after all 401 polling centres across the state closed, paving the way for the counting of ballots and the declaration of results later tonight.
As of 4pm, voter turnout had reached 65.38 per cent, with more than 562,133 of the 859,760 registered ordinary voters having cast their ballots.
The Election Commission (EC) had earlier projected turnout of between 72 and 75 per cent, with the first unofficial results expected as early as 10pm.
Attention has now shifted to the fate of the 103 candidates contesting the 36 state seats, as voters determine the composition of the next Negeri Sembilan state government.
To ensure transparency, the opening and counting of postal ballots began earlier this evening and is being broadcast live through the EC's official Facebook platform.
The election features 103 candidates, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) contesting all 36 seats, Barisan Nasional (BN) 25, Bersatu 24, Perikatan Nasional (PN) 11, four Independents, and one candidate each from Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (BERJASA), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said security would be intensified at several strategic locations, including the Istana Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan and state government offices, to prevent any untoward incidents following the announcement of the election results.
He said police could not rule out the possibility of tensions arising if certain parties were dissatisfied with the outcome, stressing that security operations would continue well beyond polling day.
“I believe certain locations require greater attention. I urge supporters to remain patient and comply with police instructions. Should any unforeseen incidents occur, the police will manage the situation professionally and effectively.
“In the post-election period, there may be individuals who attempt to provoke hostility following changes in leadership or because parties are unhappy with the outcome.
“This is our concern. At the same time, the police will continue strengthening security at key locations, particularly state government offices and the Istana Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan,” he told reporters after visiting the polling centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V.
Mohd Khalid said the polling process had proceeded smoothly throughout the day.
He added that police had identified 26 potential hotspot areas across the state based on previous election records and had deployed rapid response teams to each location.
“These hotspot areas were identified based on past incidents involving clashes. We have increased patrols and monitoring, although no such incidents have been reported so far.
“Each state constituency has two rapid response teams comprising eight officers and personnel equipped with technical equipment and body-worn cameras to monitor activities at polling centres and other identified locations,” he said. - August 1, 2026
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