Melaka polls: PH's Kerk Chee Yee sees 50-50 chance of retaining Ayer Keroh
He said the 11-day campaign had so far been encouraging, although the possibility of lower voter turnout remained a challenge.
AYER KEROH – Pakatan Harapan (PH) incumbent Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee has rated his chances of defending the seat in the 16th Melaka state election at 50-50, despite receiving positive feedback from voters throughout the campaign period.
Kerk said the 11-day campaign had so far been encouraging, although the possibility of lower voter turnout remained a challenge, particularly as state elections held separately from general elections typically recorded slightly lower participation.
"As for my chances of defending Ayer Keroh, I would put them at 50-50, although I certainly hope we can retain the seat. My interactions with the other candidates have also been cordial, as we know one another and I wish them all the best.
"Throughout the 11-day campaign period, the feedback from voters has been positive so far.
“However, one of the challenges we face is the likelihood of lower voter turnout, as state elections held separately from general elections tend to record slightly lower participation,” he told reporters.
Kerk also called for a more constructive political environment, stressing that election campaigns should prioritise policies, principles and factual discussions rather than personal attacks.
Earlier, Kerk visited the Melaka Contingent Police Headquarters' Multipurpose Hall in Ayer Keroh, Bukit Beruang, to meet and greet police personnel casting their ballots during early voting for the 16th Melaka state election.
The DAP candidate said the voting proceedings were running smoothly, with everything in order at the centre.
He added that his election campaign was continuing as usual despite the early voting process.
The Ayer Keroh constituency is witnessing a four-cornered contest involving Kerk, Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam, Parti Bersama Malaysia's (Bersama) Muhammad Muhaimin Lau Abdullah and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) Mohd Hamnaim Mohamad.
Hamnaim was also seen observing the voting process at the centre.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election. Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place this morning.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.
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