KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional has unveiled its candidates for the upcoming Melaka election, with a mix of party heavyweights and 24 new faces.

       Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic) made the announcement and said that Barisan will be going solo and will be fielding candidates in all 28 state seats.

       With the theme "Prosperity for stability", its election candidates have also signed agreements blocking them from jumping parties after the state polls, said Mohamad Hasan.

       Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh will be making his debut by contesting at the Tanjung Bidara state seat, a long-time Umno stronghold.

       Meanwhile, Umno supreme council member Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar has been fielded at the Rim state seat.

       Mohamad Hasan said that its designated chief minister would be Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

       Also present at the press conference were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and other top Barisan leaders.

       MCA will be fielding seven candidates while MIC will be contesting in one seat.

       Melaka voters will choose a new state government on Nov 20.

       The election is being held following the dissolution of the state assembly after four assemblymen withdrew their support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

       A total of 28 state seats will be contested, with early voting on Nov 16.

       Below is the full list of Barisan candidates contesting in the upcoming state polls:

       N1 Kuala Linggi: Rosli Abdullah

       N2 Tanjung Bidara: Datuk Seri Abd Rauf Yusoh

       N3 Ayer Limau: Hameed Basheer

       N4 Lendu: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (incumbent)

       N5 Taboh Naning: Zulkiflee Mohd Zin

       N6 Rembia: Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis

       N7 Gadek: P. Shanmugan

       N8 Machap Jaya: Ngwe Hee Sem

       N9 Durian Tunggal: Zahari Abdul Kalil

       N10 Asahan: Fairul Nizam Roslan

       N11 Sungai Udang: Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad

       N12 Pantai Kundor: Tuminah Kadi @ Mohd Hashim

       N13 Paya Rumput: Datuk Rais Yasin

       N14 Kelebang: Datuk Lim Ban Hong

       N15 Pengkalan Batu: Datuk Kalsom Nordin

       N16 Ayer Keroh: Yong Fun Juan

       N17 Bukit Katil: Datuk Hasnoor Sidang Husin

       N18 Ayer Molek: Datuk Rahmad Mariman

       N19 Kesidang: Leong Hui Ying

       N20 Kota Laksamana: Benjaminn Low Chin Hong

       N21 Duyong: Mohd Noor Helmy Abd Halem

       N22 Bandar Hilir: Lee Ka Sean

       N23 Telok Mas: Datuk Abd Razak Rahman

       N24 Bemban: Datuk Koh Chin Han

       N25 Rim: Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar

       N26 Serkam: Mohd Zaidi Attan (incumbent)

       N27 Merlimau: Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh

       N28 Sungai Rambai: Siti Faizah Abdul Azis