Over 90% of Army Personnel Expected to Vote Early in Negeri Sembilan Election

More than 90 percent of Army personnel and their spouses are anticipated to cast their early votes in the Negeri Sembilan state election. This projection is based on the high turnout rates observed during previous early voting periods for Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) members in the Johor state election.

As of 9:41 AM on the day of early voting, the turnout at the Army Basic Training Center (Pusasda) in Port Dickson had already surpassed 50 percent. Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman expressed confidence that the final figure would exceed 90 percent, stating, "I expect it to reach over 90 percent. However, the actual number will only be known after the voting process concludes at 5 PM today." He added that he was satisfied with the smooth process and planned to visit other military camps and the Linggi state constituency.

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I expect it to reach over 90 percent. However, the actual number will only be known after the voting process concludes at 5 PM today.

A total of 16,884 ATM members and their spouses are registered as early voters, with an additional 5,575 registered for postal voting, which began on July 20 and concludes on July 31. The Election Commission (SPR) chairman, Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, echoed the optimistic outlook, expecting the early voter turnout for military and police personnel, along with their spouses, to reach up to 90 percent. He noted that by 10 AM, the recorded turnout was 34.26 percent, but projected it could reach 90 percent by the afternoon, potentially surpassing the 94 percent achieved in Johor.

Ramlan acknowledged that a 100 percent turnout is unlikely due to unavoidable factors. In total, 38 early voting centers with 70 channels were opened across Negeri Sembilan, catering to 11,293 military personnel and 5,174 police personnel. Some centers were scheduled to close at noon, others at 2 PM, and the majority at 5 PM. Looking ahead to the main election day on Saturday, the SPR forecasts an overall turnout of 72 to 75 percent, influenced by the vigorous campaign atmosphere in Negeri Sembilan. The commission has also received 206 complaints regarding election offenses, primarily minor campaign-related violations.

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Insya-Allah until the afternoon we expect this turnout rate to reach up to 90 percent overall. We hope it can exceed 90 percent because in Johor recently we achieved 94 percent.