PUTRAJAYA – The Melaka state election is expected to be held as early as September to allow Barisan Nasional (BN) to capitalise on the momentum of its back-to-back victories in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
The timeframe is seen as the most ideal for BN to continue its winning wave in the southern region while reinforcing positive voter sentiment towards the coalition.
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said he anticipates the Chief Minister will seek an audience with the Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri in the near future to request the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly to pave the way for the state polls.
"I anticipate the state election will take place in early September, 2026.
"Dissolving the State Legislative Assembly soon is crucial to ensure the momentum from BN’s success in Johor and Negeri Sembilan can be carried over to Melaka.
"This momentum is vital for maintaining perception and energy for BN Melaka so that its ambition to realise the 'Southern Blue Wave' can be achieved," he told Sinar.
Echoing the sentiment, Ilham Centre Executive director Hisommudin Bakar also agreed that Melaka is likely to be the next state to hold its election, describing September as the most suitable period.
"Melaka will certainly follow suit. The momentum is currently with the BN-PN (Perikatan Nasional) pact.
"They will fully utilise this wave to ensure victory remains with the incumbents.
"My expectation is that September is the most appropriate time, though it ultimately depends on the prerogative power of the Chief Minister," he said.
Commenting on Pakatan Harapan's (PH) prospects should the election be called soon, Hisommudin noted that the coalition faces an uphill battle to challenge BN's stronghold in Melaka.
"For Melaka, PH’s position is exceptionally challenging because Melaka is BN territory.
"Maintaining the status quo might be the best achievable outcome for PH there," he added.
Melaka has 28 state seats, with BN currently holding 20, placing the coalition in a comfortable position ahead of the upcoming state polls.
Ab Rauf previously hinted that the Melaka state election could be called at any time following the successful implementation of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
However, he noted that there is no fixed date yet for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, as the current term officially ends on Dec 31.