A TOTAL of 687,697 voters will determine the political future of Melaka as candidates begin contesting all 28 state assembly seats in the 16th state election today.
Nomination proceedings are expected to open at 9 am at 28 centres across the state, with prospective candidates given until 10 am to submit their papers to election returning officers.
The official announcement of candidates will trigger a 14-day campaign period, ending at 11.59 pm on Nov 13, ahead of polling on Nov 14.
Early voting is scheduled for Nov 10.
The Election Commission (EC) said 189 nomination forms had been purchased as of Thursday night, while 45 prospective candidates had paid their deposits.
Of the 687,697 eligible voters, 675,166 are ordinary voters, 9,769 are military personnel and their spouses, and 2,762 are police personnel.
The election will determine whether Barisan Nasional can retain the strong mandate it secured in 2021, when it won 21 of the 28 seats. Pakatan Harapan won five seats, while Perikatan Nasional took the remaining two.
The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on Sept 23 with the consent of Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
The Meteorological Department has forecast clear weather across the state this morning. - October 31, 2026
