Melaka polls: PH hopes for 75pc voter turnout, banks on outstation voters

MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan is targeting a voter turnout of at least 75 per cent in tomorrow's state election, five percentage points higher than the Election Commission's (EC) target.

The coalition is banking on outstation and young voters to help swing the contest in its favour.

Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the target was achievable, noting that nearly 30 per cent of the state's electorate comprised voters living outside Melaka, including those in the Klang Valley, southern states and overseas.

"Earlier this week, I met a young Melakan who flew all the way back from France just to cast his ballot, alongside others returning from New Zealand.

"Nobody paid them to come back. They did it out of a sense of responsibility for the state's future," he said at a press conference at PH's main operations centre here today.

The EC is targeting a 70 per cent voter turnout in the Melaka election. Its deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom said the commission hoped the public would show keen interest in voting, given that this was a state election rather than a by-election.

Adly urged voters to plan their journeys early and check their polling details. He also reminded them to respect EC officials and security personnel to ensure a smooth voting process.

Adly, who is defending his Bukit Katil seat, also called on voters to reject race- and religion-based politics in favour of clean leadership.

Meanwhile, acting Melaka PKR chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim said the coalition remained focused on securing the 18 "hot seats" it had identified as crucial to forming the next state government.

PH is contesting 24 of the 28 state seats up for grabs in the election.

Adam said first-time voters aged 18 and above would play a decisive role in tomorrow's polls, citing studies indicating that 68 per cent of Melaka's youth prioritised transparency, integrity and good governance.

Responding to claims by rival coalitions that they could win 24 to 25 seats, he dismissed the projections as mere rhetoric.

"Everyone has their own targets. For us, there are no tailwinds blowing from the right, just hard work.

"On this final day, our candidates are revisiting voters to ensure no one is overlooked and that our core messages resonate," he said.

"Voting isn't just about who wins or loses; it is about protecting our home. Melakans have shown in past elections that they are brave enough to make bold choices, and we are confident they will make the right call tomorrow," he added.