MELAKA (Oct 31): A total of 79 candidates representing various political parties, coalitions and independents have been confirmed eligible to contest in the 16th Melaka state election on Nov 14.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said Pakatan Harapan (PH) would contest 24 seats, followed by Barisan Nasional with 23, Parti Bersama Malaysia with 16 and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia with seven.
Perikatan Nasional will contest five seats, Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) one seat, while three candidates will contest as independents.
"Of the 28 constituencies, there will be 11 straight fights, 11 three-cornered contests and six four-cornered contests.
"In terms of gender, there are 65 male candidates and 14 female candidates," he told a press conference at the Ayer Keroh Federal Building here on Saturday.
Ramlan said the oldest candidate is PH's Telok Mas candidate Mohamad Jaafar, 66, while the youngest is the coalition's Kuala Linggi candidate Muhammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julaisapiyah, 24.
He said two candidates are aged between 18 and 29, followed by 14 between 30 and 39, 33 between 40 and 49, 22 between 50 and 59, and eight aged 60 and above.
He added that the campaign period would run until 11.59pm on Nov 13.
"The EC has established 28 election campaign enforcement teams to monitor the activities of all contesting candidates throughout the campaign period.
"The EC also hopes and reminds all parties to ensure that permitted campaign activities are conducted in a harmonious atmosphere and in compliance with the laws and regulations," Ramlan said.
He also congratulated and commended all returning officers and their teams for ensuring the smooth conduct of Saturday’s nomination proceedings.
"Appreciation and thanks are also extended to the Melaka state secretary’s office and the departments and agencies under its purview, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Malaysian Department of Insolvency, the Ministry of Communications, media personnel, and all other parties involved, whether directly or indirectly," he said.
The EC has set Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 as the polling day for the 16th Melaka state election.
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