Melaka:The Election Commission (EC) has issued 8,569 postal ballot papers to eligible voters for the upcoming 16th Melaka State Election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus stated that 8,041 of these postal ballot papers were distributed to election officials, EC members and officers, police and military personnel, and media practitioners under Category 1A. Additionally, 433 postal ballot papers were issued to Malaysians residing abroad categorized under 1B, and 95 were allocated under Category 1C to officials from agencies or organizations approved by the EC who are unable to vote on polling day due to official duties.

Khairul Shahril emphasized that the postal ballot papers were issued in the presence of representatives from all contesting candidates. He urged postal voters to ensure their ballot papers are marked correctly and that the Identity Declaration Form (Form 2) is completed accurately before submission to the respective constituency returning officers by 5 pm on November 14, polling day.

Furthermore, he advised voters to maintain the confidentiality of their votes by refraining from photographing their postal ballot papers or sharing them on social media platforms. Polling day is scheduled for November 14, with early voting set to occur on November 10.