BANDAR HILIR – Voter turnout in the Kota Laksamana state constituency remained below 32 per cent as of 12.30pm today, prompting incumbent assemblyman Low Chee Leong to urge residents to come forward and exercise their democratic right in the 16th Melaka state election.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate described the turnout as unsatisfactory, stressing that voters should recognise their responsibility in determining the state and federal governments through the electoral process.
"Based on the information I received as of 12.30pm, less than 32 per cent of voters in my constituency of Kota Laksamana had turned out to vote, which remains unsatisfactory.
“I urge all voters to come forward and fulfil their responsibility as Malaysians by exercising their right to elect the state or federal government," he said.
Low also stressed the need for politicians and political parties to do more to educate the public about the importance of voting, saying efforts to encourage electoral participation should extend beyond election campaigns.
He said increasing voter awareness should be a continuous effort involving not only political parties but also society as a whole.
"I believe raising awareness throughout the year is far more important than focusing only on campaigning during the 14-day campaign period,” he told reporters after voting at SMK St Francis, Bandar Hilir, Melaka, this afternoon.
A total of 240 polling centres involving 1,213 voting channels opened across Melaka at 8am today, allowing 687,697 registered voters to cast their ballots and determine the next state government.
All 240 ordinary polling centres will operate from 8am to 6pm across the state's 28 constituencies.
The Election Commission (EC) is targeting approximately 70 per cent voter turnout for the state election, in which 79 candidates are contesting all 28 State Legislative Assembly seats.
A coalition needs at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.
In the previous state election in 2021, Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 21 seats, followed by PH with five and Perikatan Nasional (PN) with two.