ALOR GAJAH: The implementation of Undi18 and the automatic voter registration system pose a challenge for Barisan Nasional in the upcoming Melaka state polls, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The incumbent Chief Minister said, in response, Barisan’s machinery must engage new voters without relying on traditional methods alone to garner support for the party.
"In the past, we could register voters, collect their names, and keep them in our own 'basket. We could gauge whether we would win if we contested in a particular area.
“However, the situation has changed with the inclusion of new voters, encompassing not only those aged 18 but also individuals aged 60 and above who had never voted before.
"We didn't know who these people were or where they came from, as they were registered as voters automatically... in the end, we lost the Alor Gajah parliamentary seat," he said while officiating the launch of the Alor Gajah Barisan election machinery at Dewan Kampung Permai, Machap Umboo, here on Sunday (Oct 18).
The Melaka Barisan chairman noted that although the coalition secured a resounding victory in the 2021 Melaka elections, it could replicate the same success in the 15th General Election, where the coalition lost all six parliamentary seats.
The Election Commission (EC) had previously set the polling day for the Melaka state polls for Nov 14, with candidate nominations on Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10.
In the 2021 Melaka state election, Barisan won 21 out of the 28 contested seats, enabling it to form the state government, while Pakatan Harapan won five seats and Perikatan Nasional secured two. - Bernama
