Kuala lumpur: The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a voter turnout of between 72 and 75 per cent for the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election this Saturday, its chairman, Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, said. He stated that the target is based on the vibrant campaign atmosphere and the encouraging response from voters across the state, which are expected to drive a higher turnout on polling day.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramlan expressed confidence in a large voter turnout due to the lively campaign atmosphere in Negeri Sembilan. He urged all eligible voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by voting, noting that preparations have been proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner. During a press conference after inspecting the early voting process at the Port Dickson District Police Headquarters, he shared these insights.

Ramlan further stated that the EC is aiming for at least a 90 per cent turnout among the 16,467 early voters, which include military and police personnel, as well as their spouses, who are casting their ballots today. As of 10 am, the early voter turnout was reported at 34.26 per cent. He mentioned that the number of eligible early voters had been adjusted from 22,339 to 16,467 due to some voters opting to vote by post instead of early voting.

The EC is not aiming for a 100 per cent turnout for early voting due to unavoidable factors, such as changes in the marital status of security personnel. Regarding election-related offences, Ramlan reported that the commission has received 206 complaints concerning campaign materials so far.

All 38 early voting centres opened at 8 am today and will close in stages according to their respective schedules. Eighteen centres are set to close at noon, two at 2 pm, and the remaining 18 at 5 pm. A total of 103 candidates are contesting 36 state seats in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, with 867,151 registered voters expected to cast their ballots this Saturday.