SEREMBAN: A total of 464 nomination forms for the Negri Sembilan state election have been sold so far, said Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun.
He said only 70 prospective candidates had so far confirmed their participation by paying their deposits and urged candidates to make the payments early to ensure a smooth nomination process.
"The deadline for deposit payments is until the nomination process tomorrow. Therefore, we hope all (contestants) will, if possible, make their payments early so that we will not be rushing against time tomorrow," he said.
He said this after inspecting preparations for the nomination process at the nomination centres for the Lenggeng, Nilai, Lobak, Temiang, Sikamat and Ampangan state constituencies at the Seremban City Council (MBS) building on Friday (July 17) morning.
Ramlan said preparations for the nomination process involving the 36 state constituencies in Negri Sembilan were proceeding smoothly and had been fully completed ahead of nomination day tomorrow.
"This morning, we also conducted full rehearsal sessions at all nomination centres throughout the state to ensure the smooth running of the process tomorrow," he said.
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Ramlan said 761 EC officers would be deployed tomorrow to oversee the nomination process at eight nomination centres located in eight parliamentary constituencies.
He said unlike the method used during the recent Johor state election, which used nomination centres based on state constituencies, the Negri Sembilan polls would adopt a centralised approach based on the eight parliamentary constituencies, taking into account local needs and suitability to facilitate coordination.
On security, he reminded all contesting political parties and their supporters to avoid any acts of provocation to ensure the process proceeded smoothly.
"I urge all prospective candidates to arrive early tomorrow to avoid any congestion.
"Supporters are also urged to avoid any form of provocation to ensure harmony is maintained. Political parties are reminded to always comply with regulations and avoid common election offences throughout the campaign period," he said.
Based on the EC electoral roll updated as of June 4, 2026, a total of 889,490 voters are eligible to vote in the state election, comprising 867,151 ordinary voters, 16,884 military personnel and their spouses, and 5,455 police personnel as early voters.
Nominations will begin at 9am tomorrow and close an hour later, followed by the announcement of eligible candidates by returning officers.
The EC has set Aug 1 as polling day, while early voting will be held on July 28.
The Negri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 5 after receiving the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
In the 15th Negri Sembilan State Election in 2023, Pakatan Harapan won 17 of the 36 state seats, followed by Barisan Nasional with 14 seats and Perikatan Nasional with five seats. - Bernama
