Melaka State Election 2026: 79 Candidates Compete for 28 Seats as Campaign Promises Take Shape
MELAKA, Nov 4 — Campaigning for Malaysia's 16th Melaka state election is underway, with 79 candidates contesting 28 state assembly seats ahead of polling day on November 14.
The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that 687,697 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election, including ordinary voters, military personnel and their spouses, and police personnel.
As campaigning continues, political parties and coalitions are presenting proposals on local development, economic opportunities, housing and public services.
On Wednesday, Pakatan Harapan (PH) unveiled its Aspirasi Melaka Rumah Kita manifesto, introducing proposals covering land lease renewals, opportunities for young entrepreneurs and support for small businesses.
Multi-cornered contests across the state
According to the EC's official nomination results, PH has fielded 24 candidates, while Barisan Nasional (BN) is contesting 23 seats.
Parti Bersama Malaysia is competing in 16 constituencies, followed by Bersatu with seven candidates and Perikatan Nasional (PN) with five.
Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) has one candidate, while three candidates are standing as independents.
Of the 28 constituencies, 11 will see two-candidate contests, another 11 have three candidates each, and six involve four-candidate contests.
These arrangements mean voters in different constituencies will face varying combinations of political parties and candidates.
PH unveils new election proposals
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari outlined several measures included in the coalition's manifesto on November 4.
One proposal would allow landowners to apply for lease extensions before their existing leases enter their final 10 years.
Another would reserve 30 per cent of local council works contracts for eligible young entrepreneurs, with the stated aim of broadening their participation in economic activities.
PH also proposed improvements to financing for small businesses, targeted grants for women traders and additional government childcare facilities.
Its manifesto includes proposals to utilise idle land for modern agriculture and other economic activities.
These measures remain campaign commitments rather than policies already in force.
Chief minister candidate announced
PH previously announced that former Melaka chief minister Adly Zahari would be its preferred candidate for the position if the coalition secured the mandate to form the next state government.
Adly is contesting the Bukit Katil seat in a four-way race against PN candidate Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sharif, Bersama candidate Dr Aliza Che Amran and independent candidate Abu Bakar Sabudin.
The announcement identifies PH's intended leadership arrangement but does not determine the election outcome.
Previous election and key dates
In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN secured 21 of the 28 seats, while PH won five and PN took two.
The state legislative assembly was dissolved on September 23, 2026, paving the way for the latest election.
Candidate nominations took place on October 31, with early voting scheduled for November 10.
The campaign period will end at 11.59pm on November 13, followed by polling on November 14.
Local issues remain central
While political alliances and leadership arrangements attract public attention, voters are also being presented with proposals addressing local concerns.
These include flood mitigation, water supply, affordable housing, small-business opportunities, employment and public facilities.
Voters can assess the proposals made by individual candidates and their feasibility before casting their ballots.
The EC's MySPR Semak service is available for registered voters to check their polling details.
As of November 4, voting has not taken place, and no election results have been declared.
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