Melaka state election: Eight seats to watch

KUALA LUMPUR: As Melaka prepares for its upcoming state election, all eyes will be on several key constituencies that were decided by razor-thin majorities in the previous poll.

During the 2021 state election, nearly half of the 28 state seats were fiercely contested multi-cornered battles, with 13 constituencies decided by margins under 1,000 votes.

Here are eight key battleground seats expected to see intense competition:

1. PENGKALAN BATU (N15)

- 2021 majority: 131 votes

- Winning party: BN (Umno)

- Significance: One of the narrowest majorities in the state. The semi-urban seat features a mixed demographic that makes it highly sensitive to voter turnout shifts.

2. DUYONG (N21)

- 2021 Majority: 200 votes

- Winning party: BN (Umno)

- Significance: Previously held by DAP before flipping to Umno in 2021. With a Malay-majority electorate (around 60 per cent) it remains a primary swing seat.

3. TANJUNG BIDARA (N02)

2021 majority: 364 votes

Winning party: BN (Umno)

Significance: A high-profile seat contested in 2021 by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Perikatan Nasional then fielded Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, resulting in a tight clash in Umno's traditional heartland.

4. BEMBAN (N24)

2021 majority: 328 votes

Winning party: PN (Bersatu)

Significance: One of two seats won outright by Perikatan Nasional in 2021. It serves as a benchmark for PN's ground strength in Jasin.

5 & 6. GADEK (N07) & DURIAN TUNGGAL (N09)

2021 majority: 559 votes each

Winning party: BN (MIC and Umno)

Significance: Both located within the Alor Gajah parliamentary corridor, these multi-racial seats flipped to BN in 2021 due to split opposition votes.

7. PAYA RUMPUT (N13)

2021 majority: 629 votes

Winning party: BN (Umno)

Significance: A rapidly growing suburban constituency with a high concentration of young voters and new housing developments.

8. SUNGAI UDANG (N11)

2021 majority: 530 votes

Winning party: PN (Bersatu)

Significance: Notable for housing a high percentage of military and security personnel, historically considered a BN stronghold until PN pulled off a surprise win in 2021.