Malaysia: Melaka to hold state legislative elections Nov. 20

Event

Melaka State will hold elections, Nov. 20, for seats in the state's legislative assembly. Candidates will campaign for a 12-day period after registering on Nomination Day Nov. 8. Campaign programs will likely involve fewer participants than in past election events due to ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions. Officials have also advised political parties to avoid organizing large gatherings or rallies during the campaign period. Turnout at voting centers will likely be lower than in the past as authorities are allowing votes to be mailed in by post.

Authorities will almost certainly bolster security throughout the campaign period and on election day. Heightened security is likely at voting and counting centers Nov. 20. Localized traffic and business disruptions are possible if officials erect roadblocks and conduct security checks. Though unlikely, minor clashes between security forces and rally participants, or between opposing groups of supporters, may occur.

Context

The election will take place after Melaka's Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali dissolved the state legislative assembly Oct. 4. Sulaiman is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which took over as the new government last year after the former ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) lost the state administration due to defections at the federal level. However, recent infighting resulted in four lawmakers, including two from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), withdrawing their support for Chief Minister Sulaiman in an attempt to form a new government with PH. Sulaiman subsequently requested for the dissolution of the assembly instead of another change in government. The elections could pave the way for state polls in Sarawak, where authorities have postponed elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further spread of COVID-19 due to the state polls also remains possible; a similar election in Sabah in 2020 caused a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, which triggered public discontent and the subsequent fall of former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's administration in August.

Advice

Avoid any rallies, party offices, polling stations, and counting centers, as a precaution. Seek updated information from local sources for updates on events, as organizers may not announce details in advance. Use alternative routes to avoid election-related events; allow additional time to reach destinations.