The Melaka state election determines who represents voters in the state legislative assembly and which party or coalition forms the state government.
For the 2026 Melaka state election, polling day is scheduled for 14 November, with nomination day on 31 Octoberand early voting on 10 November. All 28 state seats are being contested, with 15 seats representing a simple majority in the assembly. The election follows the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly on 23 September 2026.
This guide brings together the key dates, electoral background, candidate developments and previous results. It will be updated as the election progresses.
Last updated: 29 October 2026.
Melaka State Election at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Election | 16th Melaka state election |
| Assembly dissolution | 23 September 2026 |
| Nomination day | 31 October 2026 |
| Early voting | 10 November 2026 |
| Polling day | 14 November 2026 |
| State seats | 28 |
| Seats needed for a simple majority | 15 |
| Registered electorate | 687,697 |
| Previous state election | 20 November 2021 |
The Election Commission, commonly known by its Malay abbreviation SPR, announced the election timetable on 7 October 2026. The electoral roll comprises 675,166 ordinary voters, 9,769 military personnel and spouses, and 2,762 police personnel.
When Is the Melaka State Election?
Melaka voters will go to the polls on 14 November 2026. Early voting takes place on 10 November, while nomination day is 31 October.
Nomination day establishes the candidates officially contesting each constituency. Party announcements made before that date indicate intended candidates, but the final contest depends on nominations being accepted.
SPR has announced a 14-day campaign period for the election.
Why Is Melaka Holding a State Election?
The Melaka State Legislative Assembly was dissolved effective 23 September 2026, following the consent of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the dissolution on 22 September.
Under Article 19 of the Melaka State Constitution, the assembly ordinarily continues for five years from its first sitting unless dissolved earlier. An election must be held within 60 days of dissolution.
A state election gives voters the opportunity to choose their representatives and determines the balance of power in the next assembly.
What Does the Melaka State Election Decide?
Voters elect members of the Dewan Undangan Negeri, or state legislative assembly. Each elected representative is commonly referred to as an ADUN, short for Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri.
Melaka has 28 state constituencies, each returning one representative. A party or alliance holding 15 seats has a simple majority in the assembly.
The election concerns representation and government at the state level. It does not directly elect Members of Parliament or determine the prime minister.
For readers following Malaysian politics, this distinction matters: the state government and federal government can be led by different political parties or alliances.
Parties and Candidates in the Melaka Election
Barisan Nasional
Barisan Nasional announced that it would contest 21 of the 28 seats, following negotiations allocating the remaining seven seats to PAS and its allies. BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN would contest using its own logo.
BN’s announced candidates include:
| Candidate | State constituency |
|---|---|
| Ab Rauf Yusoh | Tanjung Bidara |
| Muhamad Akmal Saleh | Merlimau |
| Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem | Duyong |
| Rais Yasin | Sungai Udang |
The announced lineup includes both returning representatives and new candidates. Ab Rauf is seeking to defend Tanjung Bidara, while Rais Yasin has been announced for Sungai Udang after previously representing Paya Rumput.
Pakatan Harapan
Pakatan Harapan announced 21 candidates on 24 October 2026. Its announced lineup includes candidates from PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Among them are Adly Zahari for Bukit Katil, Kerk Chee Yee for Ayer Keroh, Low Chee Leong for Kota Laksamana and Leng Chau Yen for Bandar Hilir.
When Will the Full Candidate List Be Available?
The definitive seat-by-seat candidate list should be checked against SPR’s nomination-day announcements on 31 October 2026.
Until nominations are completed, announced candidates, seat allocations and proposed electoral arrangements should be distinguished from the official list of contestants.
How Many State Seats Does Melaka Have?
Melaka has 28 state seats. These constituencies cover communities across the state, from Kuala Linggi and Tanjung Bidara to the urban constituencies around Melaka city and the southern areas of Merlimau and Sungai Rambai.
| Code | Constituency | Code | Constituency |
|---|---|---|---|
| N01 | Kuala Linggi | N15 | Pengkalan Batu |
| N02 | Tanjung Bidara | N16 | Ayer Keroh |
| N03 | Ayer Limau | N17 | Bukit Katil |
| N04 | Lendu | N18 | Ayer Molek |
| N05 | Taboh Naning | N19 | Kesidang |
| N06 | Rembia | N20 | Kota Laksamana |
| N07 | Gadek | N21 | Duyong |
| N08 | Machap Jaya | N22 | Bandar Hilir |
| N09 | Durian Tunggal | N23 | Telok Mas |
| N10 | Asahan | N24 | Bemban |
| N11 | Sungai Udang | N25 | Rim |
| N12 | Pantai Kundor | N26 | Serkam |
| N13 | Paya Rumput | N27 | Merlimau |
| N14 | Kelebang | N28 | Sungai Rambai |
Constituency names may appear with spelling variations in public reporting, including Klebang/Kelebang and Banda Hilir/Bandar Hilir. Voters should use their SPR registration details to confirm their constituency.
What Happened in the Previous Melaka State Election?
The previous Melaka state election was held on 20 November 2021.
Barisan Nasional won 21 of the 28 seats, securing more than a two-thirds majority. Pakatan Harapan won five seats, while Perikatan Nasional won two.
Melaka State Election 2021 Results
| Coalition | Seats won |
|---|---|
| Barisan Nasional | 21 |
| Pakatan Harapan | 5 |
| Perikatan Nasional | 2 |
| Total | 28 |
These figures describe the election result in 2021. They should not be treated as the assembly’s composition throughout the entire term, because representatives’ party affiliations can subsequently change.
The 2021 election followed the withdrawal of support for then chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali by four assemblymen, which caused the state government to collapse.
What Should Voters Watch During the Election?
Beyond individual campaign announcements, several questions can help readers assess the contest.
Candidates and Their Local Records
A state election is also a choice about constituency representation. Voters can examine candidates’ service records, accessibility, knowledge of local problems and proposals for their areas.
For returning representatives, the relevant questions include what they delivered during the previous term. For new candidates, voters can consider their experience and how clearly they explain their priorities.
Manifestos and Practical Commitments
Campaign promises become more useful when they explain how a proposal would work.
When comparing manifestos, readers can ask:
- Is the proposal within the state government’s powers?
- Does it include a budget or funding source?
- Is there a clear delivery timeline?
- How will progress be measured?
- Does it require cooperation with federal agencies or local councils?
Housing, infrastructure, local services and economic opportunities provide useful areas for comparison. These are suggested ways to assess campaign commitments, rather than a ranking of voters’ concerns.
Electoral Cooperation and Government Formation
Seat-sharing arrangements can change the shape of a contest. Readers should distinguish between parties agreeing to avoid competing against one another, parties sharing a campaign platform, and parties agreeing to form a government after the election.
For the 2026 contest, BN has announced a seat allocation involving PAS and its allies. The official nominations will provide the clearest picture of who is contesting each seat and under which electoral symbol.
How to Check Your Voting Details
Voters should check their registration through MySPR Semak, the Election Commission’s official voter-checking service. SPR directs voters to this portal to review their electoral information.
Before polling day, confirm your registered constituency and, once election-specific information is available, your assigned polling centre, voting stream and polling hours.
Use the details provided by SPR rather than assuming that your polling arrangements are the same as at a previous election.
For further announcements, visit the Election Commission’s official website.
Melaka State Election Results
As of 29 October 2026, voting has not taken place and there are no results for the 2026 Melaka state election.Polling is scheduled for 14 November.
After polling, this section will be updated with:
- Official seats won by each party or coalition.
- Winning candidates and constituency majorities.
- Voter turnout.
- The outcome of government formation.
During counting, unofficial tallies and party claims should be clearly distinguished from officially declared results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Melaka state election?
Polling day for the 2026 Melaka state election is 14 November 2026. Nomination day is 31 October, and early voting is 10 November.
What does PRN Melaka mean?
PRN Melaka means Pilihan Raya Negeri Melaka, or the Melaka state election.
How many seats are being contested?
Melaka has 28 state assembly seats. A party or alliance needs 15 seats for a simple majority.
Who won the last Melaka state election?
Barisan Nasional won the 2021 election with 21 seats. Pakatan Harapan won five seats and Perikatan Nasional won two.
Is the Melaka state election the same as a general election?
This election chooses Melaka’s state assembly representatives. A parliamentary election chooses Members of Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat. State and parliamentary elections can take place on different dates.
Where can I check where to vote?
Check your electoral information through MySPR Semak and follow the Election Commission’s announcements for polling arrangements.