SEREMBAN – The race to determine who will form the next Negeri Sembilan government enters its decisive phase today as campaigning for the state’s 16th election draws to a close, with political parties making a final push before 867,151 voters cast their ballots tomorrow.
The curtain will fall on the 14-day campaign at 11.59 pm tonight, bringing to an end a contest that has seen parties roll out manifestos, policy pledges and campaign strategies since July 18, with the cost of living, economic growth, job creation and people’s welfare emerging as the dominant issues in their bid to win over voters.
Attention will shift to the ballot boxes from 8 am tomorrow, when voting begins at 401 polling centres across the state, with 103 candidates awaiting the electorate’s verdict that will shape Negeri Sembilan’s administration for the next five years.
An important milestone in the democratic process was completed on Tuesday when early voting recorded a turnout of 91.06 per cent, involving 14,995 early voters comprising members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and their spouses.
The presence of Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, at a series of campaign events up to last night also provided a morale boost to party machinery while reinforcing efforts to consolidate voter support ahead of polling day.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) political analyst Dr Mohd Azmir Mohd Nizah said attention has now shifted to voter behaviour, particularly among younger voters, who could prove decisive in several closely contested constituencies.
He said voters aged 18 and above have the potential to reshape voting patterns and the electoral “algorithm” if they turn out in large numbers, with their participation likely to influence outcomes in marginal seats.
“At this stage, every party has delivered its narrative and election pledges. The real test now is whether they can translate that support into votes on polling day, especially among younger voters.
“Overall, today’s electorate is more discerning in assessing issues and no longer relies solely on conventional campaigning. At the same time, social media has become an increasingly influential platform in shaping public perception and influencing voting decisions,” he told Bernama here today.
Meanwhile, USIM Strategic Communication Centre director Prof Dr Mohd Faizal Kasmani believes voter turnout in the election could exceed 70 per cent, driven by growing public awareness and the active participation of young voters on social media platforms.
He said the intensity of the campaign and the extensive election-related discussions on social media have become key factors in encouraging voter participation, particularly among first-time voters.
“In the last election, turnout was around 68 per cent. This time, with the momentum generated throughout the state election campaign and the active engagement of young people on social media discussing the polls, we hope that enthusiasm will translate into a higher voter turnout,” he said.
Commenting on Negeri Sembilan’s electoral dynamics, he said the state’s political landscape is more competitive than Johor’s, making the battle for undecided voters increasingly crucial as polling day approaches.
Mohd Faizal said the closely fought contest has placed at least 12 state seats under the spotlight following the narrow majorities recorded in the last election, namely Linggi, Klawang, Palong, Jeram Padang, Lenggeng, Ampangan, Juasseh, Seri Menanti, Senaling, Labu, Kota and Gemas.
PH is contesting all 36 state seats, followed by BN (25), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) (24), Perikatan Nasional (PN) (11), four Independent candidates, while Barisan Jamaah Islamiah SeMalaysia (Berjasa), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) are fielding one candidate each. – July 31, 2026