BARISAN Nasional opened up a commanding early lead in the Melaka state election, with caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh also poised to retain Tanjung Bidara as counting continued across the state tonight.
The unofficial count placed BN ahead in 21 of the 28 constituencies, with Pakatan Harapan leading in five and Perikatan Nasional in the remaining two, putting the coalition in a strong position to retain control of the state.
Ab Rauf’s performance in Tanjung Bidara is among the key developments of the night.
The incumbent is defending the seat against PH candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri after winning the constituency by a narrow majority of 364 votes in the 2021 state election.
Meanwhile, DAP appeared to be holding its ground in several urban constituencies, with PH leading in Ayer Keroh, Kota Laksamana and Bandar Hilir in the early count.
The early picture offered some encouragement for PH, although its ability to retain its incumbent seats will depend on the final results from the remaining constituencies.
In Ayer Keroh, incumbent DAP assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee was reported to be leading by 524 votes in the early count.
BN candidate Rais Yasin, meanwhile, had established a substantial lead in Sungai Udang, polling 6,340 votes against 277 for Bersatu and 97 for Parti Bersama Malaysia in figures available at 6.47pm.
BN was also leading in Lendu, Asahan, Sungai Udang, Rim and Merlimau, among other constituencies.
The election is significant for both coalitions, which are partners in the federal unity government but are competing against each other in Melaka.
A strong BN showing would reinforce Umno’s position in the state, while DAP’s performance in its traditional urban strongholds will provide an indication of whether the party has managed to maintain its support base.
In the 2021 state election, BN won 21 of the 28 seats, securing a two-thirds majority. PH took five seats, while PN won the remaining two.
A total of 79 candidates contested the 28 constituencies in this election, with 15 seats required for a simple majority in the state assembly.
Voter turnout stood at 70.59% when polling centres closed at 6pm, surpassing the 65.85% recorded in the previous state election.
The Election Commission was expected to begin announcing official results from 9.30pm, with the full outcome anticipated before midnight. - November 14, 2026
