There are signs of a high turnout in the parliamentary elections in Malaysia. According to the authorities, four hours after the polling stations opened this morning, more than 40 percent of the approximately 21 million eligible voters had already cast their votes. A particularly large number of young people could be seen in the queues. Reason: For the first time, all citizens from the age of 18 are entitled to vote, before that the minimum age was 21 years.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved parliament in October after a rift between his party UMNO and its allies and announced new elections. Actually, the kingdom would not have voted again until next year.
Voting takes place during the monsoon season. Thousands of Malaysians have had to leave their homes in recent days due to heavy rain and flooding. Many announced that they would not vote because of the situation. Despite all concerns, the election commission had postponed the election date to the rainy season. In the morning, many people with umbrellas stood in the queues in front of the polling stations.
In the Southeast Asian country, a close race between the three major political coalitions emerged until the very end. Experts expected that there would not be a clear majority. The political landscape in Malaysia is characterized by ever new turmoil. Elections in Malaysia are often criticized for irregularities. In the past, for example, there have been phantom voters, electoral roll manipulation and mysterious power failures during recounts.
Polling stations close at 6:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. CET). The first results should be known at night (local time).
