Fence-sitters and undecided voters remain key in final 24 hours of Johor polls
While committed supporters of major coalitions had likely made up their minds much earlier, fence-sitters, reluctant voters and those weighing their options remained crucial in several closely contested seats.
JOHOR BAHRU - With less than 24 hours left before polling day, the Johor election could be decided by voters who remain caught between competing choices - whether to defend continuity, express dissatisfaction or make a strategic decision at the ballot box.
Political analyst Dr Anis Anwar Suhaimi said while committed supporters of major coalitions had likely made up their minds much earlier, fence-sitters, reluctant voters and those weighing their options remained crucial in several closely contested seats.
“Most committed party supporters would have already made up their minds much earlier. Their decisions are usually based on long-term party attachment, ideological identity, past experience, leadership preference or confidence in the incumbent government,” he told Sinar Daily.
However, Anis said the remaining undecided voters could prove decisive as they weigh dissatisfaction, loyalty and the possible impact of their vote.
“The final decision for some voters may come down to whether they believe continuity is safer or whether change is necessary,” he said.
He said some PH supporters and segments of voters who traditionally supported the coalition could be facing a dilemma over dissatisfaction with the federal government, concerns over DAP’s campaign approach and whether shifting their support could produce meaningful change.
“There is also the concern that a split vote in certain seats could indirectly benefit BN,” he said.
Anis added that some Pas supporters in seats contested by PN candidates could also face difficult choices following the strained relationship between Pas and Bersatu.
He said these voters may have to weigh loyalty to the PN coalition against local considerations and Pas’ historically closer relationship with BN Johor.
“This makes the final stage of campaigning important because some voters may not be choosing purely along party lines, but based on local calculations, coalition signals and strategic voting,” he said.
On the role of ceramahs in the final hours, Anis said traditional campaign platforms remained relevant despite the growing influence of digital campaigning.
He said all the ceramah continued to provide parties with opportunities to explain complex messages, respond to criticisms and appeal emotionally to undecided voters.
“Ceramah is no longer the only campaign weapon, but they remain useful for emotional persuasion, narrative correction and mobilising fence-sitters before polling day,” he said.
This, he added, was particularly important for parties such as Bersama, which are attempting to attract voters dissatisfied with established coalitions but uncertain about alternatives.
Anis said voters should not be viewed as a single group, as their decisions depend on factors including party loyalty, dissatisfaction, strategic considerations and confidence in candidates.
“The timing of decision-making depends on whether the voter is partisan, undecided, strategic, disappointed or disengaged. In Johor, the final days are particularly important for voters caught between dissatisfaction, loyalty and tactical voting,” he said.
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