Malaysia’s Johor votes as government allies turn on each other
About 2.72 million Johoreans are eligible to choose a new state government from 172 candidates fighting across all 56 seats
The campaign ended at 11.59pm on Friday, silencing the loudspeakers and convoys that had criss-crossed the state since late June.
Under mostly clear, sunny skies, voters began gathering from 7.30am at the 1,076 polling centres, where about 2.72 million Johoreans were eligible to choose a new state government from 172 candidates fighting across all 56 seats.
The turnout stood at 26.43 per cent as of 11am, the Johor State Information Department said on social media. The Election Commission has projected about 70 per cent attendance for the day.
The meteorological department warned of thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain in areas, including Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat and Kulai, as voters braved downpours to cast their ballots.
Bersatu president and former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who cast his vote in Muar, expressed confidence that the turnout would reach at least 70 per cent. He urged voters to support the candidates of their choice.