Kuala lumpur: The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that 172 candidates from multiple political parties will contest in the 16th Johor state election following the conclusion of the nomination process at all 56 nomination centres. EC Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced that all 172 nomination papers received were accepted after the 10 am deadline, with no disqualifications.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the breakdown of candidates includes 138 males and 34 females. Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are each fielding 56 candidates, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) has 33 candidates. Parti Bersama Malaysia is fielding 15 candidates, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) four, and both Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) one candidate each. Additionally, six candidates are entering the race as Independents.
Ramlan detailed that 14 seats will see straight fights, 27 will have three-cornered contests, 12 will feature four candidates, and three will involve five candidates. The oldest candidate is a 73-year-old from Perikatan Nasional (PN) contesting in the Stulang seat, while the youngest is a 23-year-old from Pakatan Harapan (PH) vying for the Johor Lama seat. The age distribution among candidates includes nine individuals aged 21 to 29, 38 aged 30 to 39, 50 aged 40 to 49, 48 aged 50 to 59, and 27 candidates over the age of 60.
The campaign period officially begins today, running until 11.59 pm on July 10, with 56 Election Campaign Enforcement Teams (PP-KPR) deployed to oversee activities. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Johor has also activated five operations rooms to monitor potential abuse of power, operating 24/7 until July 12. Complaints related to corruption or abuse of power can be emailed to [email protected].
Ramlan emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations regarding campaign materials, which must include printer and publisher information and exclude prohibited content such as incitement, racial sentiments, or religious sensitivities. The EC hopes for a peaceful and law-abiding campaign period. The Johor state election is scheduled for July 11, with early voting on July 7.