Key facts
- A total of 79 candidates will contest 28 seats in the Melaka state election.
- The election campaign period runs until November 13.
- Early voting is scheduled for November 10, with polling day on November 14.
Malaysia's Melaka state began its election campaign on Saturday, with 79 candidates cleared to contest 28 seats in a poll scheduled for November 14. The election is seen as a test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's governing coalition and its cooperation with Islamist opponents. The Election Commission (EC) chairman, Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, announced the eligible candidates, noting that Pakatan Harapan will contest 24 seats, Barisan Nasional 23, Parti Bersama Malaysia 16, and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia seven. Perikatan Nasional will contest five seats, Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) one, and three candidates will run as independents. The campaign period will run until November 13, with early voting on November 10.