MELAKA: The Election Commission (EC) projects it will cost RM46mil for the Melaka state election to take place.

       EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh the budget projection is based on the 248 polling stations involving 495,196 voters in Melaka.

       Abdul Ghani said EC has appointed 28 returning officers and 80 assistant returning officers for the state election.

       "For the purpose of monitoring campaign activities throughout the election campaign period, EC has set up 28 election task forces comprising representatives from the police, local authorities and agents of candidates," he said in a press conference at a hotel here on Monday (Oct 18).

       He said the Supplementary Electoral Roll of the second quarter of 2021 (ST2/2021), which was updated as of Oct 3, 2021, would be used for the state election.

       The electoral roll contains 495,196 voters, and the EC is targeting a 70% voter turnout for the state polls.

       Abdul Ghani said the EC would also discuss standard operating procedure (SOP) with the Health Ministry and National Security Council to be put in place, a prerequisite for the state election to be held.

       Melaka moved into Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) on Monday (Oct 18).

       The Melaka state government collapsed after four assemblymen withdrew their support for Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali as chief minister earlier this month.

       The state assembly was subsequently dissolved on Oct 5 by Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

       In addition to Umno and Bersatu's combined 15 seats, there were also two government-friendly independents in the state assembly.

       The Election Commission has set Nov 8 for Nomination Day, with polling on Nov 20.