Johor polls kick off as nomination opens across all 56 state seats

JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 — The curtain rises for the 16th Johor State Election today, with the nomination process taking place simultaneously at 56 nomination centres (PPC) across the state from 9 am.

Prospective candidates will have one hour, until 10 am, to submit their nomination papers to the Returning Officer before the official announcement of candidates eligible to contest.

Following the declaration, the election campaign period will officially commence, setting the stage for 14 days of campaigning until 11.59 pm on July 10, as set by the Election Commission (EC).

Early voting for the Johor state election is on July 7, while polling day is on July 11, following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on June 1.

As of yesterday morning, a total of 593 nomination forms had been sold, while 133 prospective candidates had confirmed their participation by paying the required election deposits.

According to EC statistics, the election involves 2,727,926 registered voters comprising 2,703,175 ordinary voters, 12,041 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,710 police personnel and their spouses.

The contest is expected to intensify with a mix of new faces, incumbents and returning former elected representatives fielded by their respective parties across all 56 state seats.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) is contesting all seats, comprising candidates from PKR (20), Amanah (19) and DAP (17).

Barisan Nasional (BN) is also fielding candidates in all constituencies through UMNO (36), MCA (16) and MIC (four).

Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional (PN) will contest through PAS in 11 seats, Bersatu (16), Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) (five) and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) in one seat.

The election will also see participation from Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA), contesting four seats, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) with one candidate, and the debut of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), which is expected to contest 15 seats.

Nomination day traditionally draws lively scenes around nomination centres as party supporters gather early to show support for their candidates. 

To ensure a smooth process, the EC has reminded all candidates and supporters to comply with the Election Offences Act 1954 and local authority by-laws, including restrictions on the use of musical instruments and loudspeakers mounted on vehicles for campaign activities.

Meanwhile, checks on the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) portal indicate rain is expected in several parts of Johor in the morning, with thunderstorms forecast in the afternoon.

A total of 4,832 police personnel have been deployed to maintain security and manage traffic, including road closures and diversions involving 19 major roads near nomination centres throughout the state.

Before the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly on June 1, BN held 40 seats, followed by PH (12), Perikatan Nasional (three) and MUDA (one).

For the latest news on the 16th Johor State Election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama