THE nomination for candidates in the Melaka election today is expected to result in three-cornered fights in all 28 seats, barring the inclusion of independents.
More than 84 candidates are expected to join in the fray, in what might lead to another state government standing, alongside Sarawak and Sabah, ahead of the general polls set to take place latest by next July.
The controversial event, engineered by the defection of four assemblymen previously aligned with the Umno-led Melaka government, would also become the first to be held under tight Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOP).
There is no telling how traditional campaigns will pan out or how the aggressiveness of social media movements on Facebook and Twitter will influence voters.
Potential candidates from major parties have been rather quiet on their alternative strategies as they continue making calls for the Election Commission (EC) to loosen the rules on open campaigning, such as public meet-ups or ceramah.
Nevertheless, concern about the spread of Covid-19 in the state is understandable, with the high infectivity rate, or R-naught (Rt), breaching 1.00. Furthermore, the high number of tourists flocking to the state over the weekend has done little to allay fears of another wave.
The election is also expected to witness interesting bouts and political manoeuvring. These include former Umno assemblymen Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Datuk Nor Azman Hasan's crossover to Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional's indecision on its chief minister candidate, and Pas' ties with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).
BN's campaign, which is slated to be spearheaded by Umno, has snubbed any conciliatory effort by Pas to ease the animosity between Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Pas was set to contest eight seats under Muhyiddin's PN banner, and had given up on seeking an amicable solution with Umno, said Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
On the other side of the fence, PH's run may begin on shaky ground with senior DAP leader P. Ramasamy protesting against PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's acceptance of Idris and Nor Azman to run under the coalition's ticket.
PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's stinging tweets also alluded to the decision.
Meanwhile, a few notable battlegrounds are expected to make headlines. Among them is Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's race against his niece from Bersatu, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, in a three-cornered fight that includes PH's Zainal Hassan.
Mas Ermieyati was Puteri Umno chief before leaving the party for Bersatu after BN's defeat in the 14th General Election.
Another keenly-watched contest will be between Idris and Rauf's strongman, Melaka Umno Youth chief Fairul Nizam Roslan, for the Asahan seat.
Observers believe that the fight will determine Idris' political legitimacy despite being labelled a "frog" by detractors, as well as Rauf's hold on Melaka Umno.
Today's nomination is set to take place from 9am to 10am at 28 centres statewide. Additional reporting by Teh Athira Yusof
