Melaka polls: EC targets 70pc turnout, full results expected before midnight

Election Commission staff busy inspecting voting equipment during a check at the official vote-tallying centre for the 16th Melaka state election at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ayer Keroh November 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 13 Nov 2026 12:24 PM MYT

JASIN, Nov 13 — The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a voter turnout of about 70 per cent in tomorrow’s 16th Melaka State Election, with full results expected before midnight.

EC Deputy Chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said the target was a favourable figure for a state election  expressed hope that voters in Melaka would turn out to fulfil their responsibility of electing their respective representatives.

“We are hoping for a 70 per cent (turnout) as this is a state election, not a by-election. We hope as many voters as possible will turn out to vote,” he told reporters after inspecting the ballot box verification process for the Merlimau state constituency at Politeknik Merlimau here today.

On the expected announcement of the full results tomorrow, Azmi said it would depend on the arrival of ballot boxes at the official vote-tallying centres and weather conditions.

“We have to wait for the ballot boxes to arrive at the collection centres. Anything can happen, and we cannot predict the weather, including the possibility of rain or flooding. However, we generally expect the results to be known before midnight,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azmi advised voters to head to the polls early, as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast thunderstorms later in the afternoon.

He also reminded candidates, political parties and their supporters to end all campaigning, including those conducted online, by 11.59 pm tonight, in accordance with election regulations.

For the latest news on the state polls, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/ — Bernama