Melaka State Election Begins With 79 Candidates Nominated

The election campaign for 28 seats in the Melaka state legislative assembly began on October 31, 2026. The Election Commission of Malaysia cleared 79 candidates to compete in a variety of matchups, including 11 straight fights, 11 three-cornered contests, and six four-way races.

Pakatan Harapan is contesting 24 seats, while Barisan Nasional is fielding candidates for 23 seats. Other participants include Bersama with 16 candidates, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia with seven, and Perikatan Nasional with five. Additionally, one candidate from Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia and three independent candidates are running.

Ramlan Harun, the chairman of the Election Commission, confirmed that all nomination papers were accepted. The upcoming vote on November 14 serves as a critical test for the governing partners of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The coalition seeks to resolve grassroots rifts and stabilize alliances following previous state-level defeats in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.