Negeri Sembilan electoral battle begins after 103 candidates confirmed; BN, PN to campaign for each other

Campaigning for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election officially commenced on Saturday, July 18, following confirmation from the Election Commission that all 36 seats are open for competition, with a total of 103 candidates vying for positions. The election will feature 11 constituencies with direct rivalries, 21 with three candidates, two with four candidates, and two with five candidates. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has committed to contesting in all constituencies, while the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition will field 25 candidates. Previously, the state was jointly managed by both coalitions, reflecting the federal unity government's power-sharing arrangement. The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which is participating independently in the election, will put forward 24 candidates, creating conflicts with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which it is still affiliated with. This situation arises amid internal divisions within the opposition bloc. PN, led by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), plans to contest in 11 seats. In addition to these, three candidates from minor parties and four independent candidates will take part in the race. According to the Election Commission, 94 of the candidates are male and nine are female. The youngest candidate is 23 years old, and the eldest is 70. In the last election in 2023, PH secured 17 of the 36 state seats, followed by BN with 14, and PN winning the remaining five seats, including two by Bersatu. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang stated that PN and BN will support each other's candidates throughout the Negeri Sembilan state election. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Malay-Muslim leadership in the region and mentioned that they would assist one another during the campaign period. Earlier, BN indicated that it was only contesting in 25 seats and had left the remaining 11 unopposed as it worked towards establishing an electoral agreement with a "trusted friend." Abdul Hadi noted that the cooperation between PN and BN would be evaluated over time. He stated that they were aware of the collaboration from the start and would periodically review its progress. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarified that their cooperation is an "understanding," not a formal pact. He highlighted the significance of this arrangement, noting that BN previously won only 14 seats. With this strategic approach, he believes Negeri Sembilan will return to BN governance, describing it as the arrival of a "blue wave" in the region, referencing the coalition's official color and logo. Several seats are anticipated to be highly competitive, including Linggi, Chennah, and Rantau. Caretaker Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun, representing Anwar's Parti Keadilan Rakyat, expressed uncertainty regarding his chances of capturing Linggi from BN. The constituency has not elected a non-United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) representative since its inception in 1959, according to local reports. UMNO is a key component of the BN alliance. Aminuddin acknowledged that his prospects remain evenly balanced at present, though he remains hopeful as the campaign progresses. Aminuddin has decided to step down from his long-held position in Sikamat to focus on the Linggi constituency. He explained that he is not retreating but rather making a strategic move to allow PH to secure new seats, ensuring the formation of a stable government. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, representing PH's Democratic Action Party, is also expected to play a pivotal role in several key constituencies.