The Election Commission (EC) has officially confirmed that 79 candidates will contest the 16th Melaka State Election, scheduled for 14 November. The candidates, representing various political parties, coalitions and independents, will compete for 28 seats in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly.
Election Commission Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will contest 24 seats, followed by Barisan Nasional (BN) with 23, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) with 16, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) with seven, Perikatan Nasional (PN) with five and Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) with one. Three independent candidates will also participate in the election.
The election will feature 11 straight contests between two candidates, 11 three-cornered contests and six four-cornered contests. Of the 79 candidates, 65 are men and 14 are women. The oldest candidate is PH’s Mohamad Jaafar, 66, contesting the Telok Mas seat, while the youngest is Muhammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julaisapiyah, 24, also from PH, who will contest Kuala Linggi.
Following the completion of nominations on Saturday morning, the official campaign period has begun and will continue until 11.59pm on 13 November 2026. The Election Commission has established 28 election campaign enforcement teams to monitor campaign activities and ensure compliance with electoral laws and regulations. Ramlan also reminded candidates and political parties to maintain a peaceful and respectful campaigning environment.
The Election Commission has scheduled early voting for 10 November, while polling day will take place on 14 November 2026. A total of 687,697 registered voters are eligible to participate in the state election, including ordinary voters, military personnel and their spouses, and police personnel. The election will determine the composition of Melaka’s next state government.
