WITH all polling centres set to close at 6pm, voter turnout in the Melaka state election had reached nearly 70% by 5.20pm, approaching the Election Commission’s target of between 70% and 75%.
The turnout rate has already surpassed the 65.9% recorded during the 2021 Melaka state election, although it remains below the 79.2% achieved in Malaysia’s 15th General Election.
Despite the encouraging overall figure, turnout varied significantly across constituencies. In Bandar Hilir, a long-time stronghold of the DAP, voter turnout stood at just 57.2% as of late afternoon.
Political observers, however, believe DAP remains well-positioned to retain the seat unless there is a substantial shift in voting patterns.
Bandar Hilir’s electorate is heavily dominated by Chinese voters, who make up 73.9% of registered voters, compared with 11.4% Malays.
Attention is also focused on two other DAP-held constituencies, Kesidang and Ayer Keroh, where turnout rates reached 65.1% and 64.8% respectively.
Analysts suggest that final voter participation levels in these mixed seats could influence the electoral outcome.
According to electiondata.my, Chinese voter turnout statewide was estimated at 58.7% as of 5.15pm. Chinese voters account for 28.4% of Melaka’s electorate. Indian voter turnout was estimated at 57.5%.
In contrast, Malay voters, who represent the majority of the electorate at 62.6%, recorded a significantly higher turnout rate of 77.7% by 5pm.
As voting draws to a close, political parties and candidates now await the final turnout figures and, ultimately, the verdict of Melaka voters at the ballot box. — Nov 14, 2026
Main photo credit:Bernama
