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SEREMBAN - The seat-sharing pact between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) has reshaped the contest landscape in the Negeri Sembilan election scheduled for August 1, producing a large number of three-cornered fights despite the cooperation between the two coalitions.
At the close of nominations today, the election features 21 three-cornered contests, 11 straight fights and two four-cornered and five-cornered contests each across the state’s 36 constituencies. Besides BN, PN and Pakatan Harapan (PH), other parties contesting include Bersatu, which is using its own logo, and Berjasa, Asli, PSM and four Independents. PH is fielding 36 candidates, BN (25), Bersatu (24), PN (11) and Berjasa, Asli and PSM (one each).
Under the seat-sharing arrangement, BN is contesting 25 seats through Umno (16), MCA (7) and MIC (2), while PN will contest the remaining 11 seats through PAS (5), Wawasan Negara (4), Gerakan (1) and MIPP (1).
The pact means BN and PN will not face each other in constituencies allocated to them, creating more direct contests between PH and a single BN or PN candidate. However, the presence of Bersatu candidates in many constituencies has turned a significant number of these races into three-cornered contests.
The party's decision to go it alone could complicate the opposition landscape by splitting votes among voters seeking an alternative to PH, particularly in Malay-majority and mixed constituencies where Bersatu and PAS traditionally draw support from similar voter pools.
In seats allocated to PN, the contest between PH, PAS and Bersatu could divide opposition votes, potentially benefiting PH. Conversely, in BN-held seats, Bersatu's presence could draw support away from BN among Malay voters, adding another layer of uncertainty to several contests.
PH enters the election as the incumbent coalition and is defending the state it has governed since 2018. Its support base remains concentrated in urban and semi-urban constituencies, particularly Seremban, Rasah and Port Dickson.
Turnout is expected to be a key factor, particularly in closely contested urban and mixed constituencies where voter participation could influence the outcome.
Negeri Sembilan has 889,490 registered voters, including 867,151 ordinary voters, 16,884 military personnel and their spouses, and 5,455 police personnel.
Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun is seeking a mandate in a new constituency, Linggi, after previously representing Sikamat. He will face incumbent Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli from Umno and Datuk Zamri Md Said of Bersatu.
Among the constituencies attracting attention is Rantau, represented by BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who will face PKR's Dr Azizul Hakim Mahdi. The seat has remained closely associated with Mohamad, who has held the constituency since 2004, except for the 2018 general election when he lost the seat before regaining it in a by-election in 2019.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke will be in a straight fight against MCA's Siow Kong Choon in Chennah.
Paroi is also expected to draw attention due to its mixed electorate and history of competitive contests. Amanah's Ahmad Shahir Moh Shah will meet Kamarul Ridzuan Mohd Zin from PAS, with Bersatu's presence adding another variable to the race.
Other closely watched constituencies include Ampangan, Senawang, Labu, Nilai, Lenggeng, Kota and Chuah, where changing demographics and shifting voter preferences have made these seats increasingly competitive.
In the previous state election, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional formed the state government after winning 31 of the 36 seats. PH secured 17 seats, BN won 14, while Perikatan Nasional captured five.
