Melaka state election: Eight seats to watch

Melaka gears up for its upcoming state election, with particular focus on eight crucial constituencies that were decided by razor-thin margins in the previous 2021 poll. These eight battleground seats are expected to see intense competition once again.

First on the list is Pengkalan Batu (N15), where the previous majority was a mere 131 votes. BN (Umno) held the seat, and its semi-urban nature, with a diverse demographic, makes it highly susceptible to changes in voter turnout.

Second is Duyong (N21), which saw a narrow 200-vote lead for BN (Umno). This seat was previously held by DAP but flipped to Umno in 2021. With a majority Malay electorate of around 60 per cent, it remains a key swing seat.

Third is Tanjung Bidara (N02), where BN (Umno) won by 364 votes. This was a high-profile contest, with Perikatan Nasional's Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin challenging BN's Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The seat is a traditional Umno stronghold.

Fourth is Bemban (N24), won by PN (Bersatu) by 328 votes. This was one of the two seats Perikatan Nasional won outright in 2021, and serves as a benchmark for PN's strength in the Jasin constituency.

Fifth and sixth are Gadek (N07) and Durian Tunggal (N09), both won by BN (MIC and Umno) by the same 559 votes. These seats, located within the Alor Gajah parliamentary corridor, flipped to BN in 2021 due to a split in opposition votes.

Seventh is Paya Rumput (N13), a rapidly growing suburban constituency with a significant number of young voters and new housing developments. BN (Umno) won by 629 votes.

Lastly, Sungai Udang (N11) was won by PN (Bersatu) by 530 votes. This constituency houses a high percentage of military and security personnel, and was historically considered a BN stronghold until PN pulled off a surprise victory in 2021.