MELAKA: The Election Commission (EC) is hoping for a 70 per cent voter turnout in Saturday’s Melaka state election despite forecasts of possible rain, as final preparations are being completed across the state.
EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom urged voters to cast their ballots regardless of weather conditions, advising them to arrive early to avoid possible disruptions.
“We hope for 70%. This is a state election, not a by-election, so we hope people will be interested in coming out to vote.
“Seventy per cent is a good figure,” he told reporters after inspecting ballot boxes and election materials at Dewan Platinum, Politeknik Merlimau, on Friday.
Azmi acknowledged that rain could affect polling-day arrangements but stressed that voters should not be discouraged from exercising their democratic rights.
“There are forecasts that it might rain tomorrow, so if possible, come early. Otherwise, bring an umbrella.
“Come out and vote even if it rains. Whatever happens, the most important thing is to vote,” he said.
He said election personnel were completing final preparations, including arranging ballot boxes and distributing the materials required by polling station chiefs and other election workers.
The personnel had also been introduced to police officers assigned to escort and assist them during polling.
“We are now completing the final preparations. The ballot boxes and all the necessary materials for election workers are being prepared for tomorrow,” he said.
Azmi also encouraged voters to check their designated polling centres and voting streams through the MySPR system before leaving home to avoid confusion and delays.
He said those unable to access the online service could seek assistance from election personnel at their respective polling centres.
Meanwhile, Azmi said the EC could not guarantee when the full election results would be announced, as ballot boxes must first be transported to designated counting or tallying centres.
He noted that unforeseen circumstances, including heavy rain or flooding, could affect the process.
“It is difficult to predict because we have to wait for the ballot boxes to arrive at the collection centres.
“Anything can happen, especially if there is rain or flooding. But generally, it should not take too long, perhaps around midnight,” he said.
A total of 687,697 registered voters are eligible to vote in the 16th Melaka state election tomorrow, with 28 state assembly seats up for grabs.
The election will see 79 candidates contesting, comprising 24 from Pakatan Harapan, 23 from Barisan Nasional, 16 from Bersama, seven from Bersatu, five from Perikatan Nasional, one from Putra and three independents.
