The Election Commission (EC) expects voter turnout for the Negeri Sembilan state election on Saturday to reach between 72% and 75%, citing strong campaign momentum and encouraging public response throughout the campaign period.
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the commission was optimistic that supporters from all contesting parties would turn up to cast their ballots.
“Based on the intense campaigning in Negeri Sembilan, we believe voter turnout will be high. We are estimating between 72% and 75%, and we hope all eligible voters will fulfil their civic responsibility,” he said.
On early voting, Ramlan said turnout had reached 34.26% as of 10am, with the EC expecting participation to exceed 90% by the close of polling.
He said the target takes into account factors such as divorced security personnel who no longer reside together and other logistical constraints that make achieving a full 100% turnout unlikely.
“However, we are confident the turnout can surpass 90%, considering Johor’s early voting recorded a 94% turnout previously,” he said.
A total of 38 early voting centres with 70 polling streams have been opened across Negeri Sembilan to facilitate 16,467 early voters comprising military and police personnel, excluding postal voters.
Ramlan said 17 polling centres will close at noon, three centres at 2pm, while the remaining 18 centres will close at 5pm.
Meanwhile, the EC has received 206 reports of alleged election offences since campaigning began, with most involving minor issues related to campaign materials.
“Overall, the campaign has proceeded smoothly, orderly and peacefully. Several minor cases have been resolved. I would like to thank the people of Negeri Sembilan for helping ensure the democratic process remains orderly,” he added.
