VOTERS in Melaka have been urged to cast their ballots early tomorrow to avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms, as the Election Commission (EC) targets a 70 per cent turnout in the state election.
EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said the commission hoped as many registered voters as possible would turn up to elect their representatives, describing the target as encouraging for a state election.
“We hope for 70 per cent, especially since this is a state election and not a by-election. We hope voters will be interested in coming out to vote, as many as possible,” he told reporters after inspecting the ballot box verification process for the Merlimau state constituency at Politeknik Merlimau in Melaka today.
He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast thunderstorms in the afternoon, making it advisable for voters to arrive at polling stations earlier.
On the announcement of results, Azmi said the EC expected the full outcome to be known before midnight, although the timing would depend on the arrival of ballot boxes at official vote-tallying centres and prevailing weather conditions.
“Under the law, we have to wait for the ballot boxes to arrive at the collection centres. Various things could happen during the process. We cannot predict whether there will be rain or floods. But generally, it should not be too late. Yes, sometime before midnight,” he said.
He also reminded candidates, party machinery and supporters that all campaigning, including through online platforms, must end at 11.59pm tonight in accordance with election regulations. - November 13, 2026
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