Melaka State Election campaign coincides with Deepavali Celebrations

MELAKA: The highly anticipated Melaka State Legislative Assembly election will take place on November 14, after the Election Commission officially announced it.

Nominations for the 16th Melaka state election will be held on October 31, paving the way for an intense campaign period that coincides with the Deepavali festivities. Hindus across the country are set to celebrate Deepavali on November 8, right in the midst of the election campaign activities in Melaka.

Early voting is scheduled for November 10. According to data released by the Election Commission, 687,697 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Among them, early voters comprise 9,769 military personnel and 2,762 police officers.

With the polling dates officially confirmed, political momentum is expected to build rapidly across Melaka’s 28 state constituencies. In the previous state election, the ruling Barisan Nasional secured 21 seats. The remaining seven seats are currently held by parties affiliated with the Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional coalitions.

Following the election announcement, the central question dominating the political landscape is which parties will form alliances, as major political factions scramble to finalise seat-sharing negotiations and coalition agreements.

A notable element in this election is the entry of Party Bersama. After abstaining from the Negeri Sembilan state election, Bersama has officially entered the race in Melaka, contesting 16 state constituencies.