Less crowded field in Melaka polls with 79 candidates contesting 28 seats

A total of 79 candidates will contest the 16th Melaka state election, the Election Commission (EC) announced.

This is a less crowded field compared with the 2021 state polls, when 112 candidates vied for the 28 seats up for grabs as Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional clashed in all constituencies.

In a statement, EC chairman Ramlan Harun said PH is fielding the most candidates at 24, followed by BN (23), Bersama (16), Bersatu (7), PN (5) and Putra (1)

Three independent candidates are also contesting in the polls.

The 79 candidates comprise 65 men and 14 women.

The state election will see 11 straight fights, 11 three-cornered contests, and six four-cornered battles.

The four-cornered contests will take place in Gadek, Kelebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Keroh, Bukit Katil and Bemban.

The oldest candidate is PH’s Mohamad Jaafar in Telok Mas, aged 66, while the youngest candidate is PH’s 24-year-old candidate, Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah, in Kuala Linggi.

A total of 687,697 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in Melaka. The EC has set Nov 14 as polling day, with early voting taking place on Nov 10.