Negeri Sembilan polls seen as ‘key test of BN-PN understanding’

 Sabah Umno veteran Salleh Said Keruak says the electoral pact would centre on avoiding unnecessary three- or multi-cornered contests and reducing vote splitting.

Salleh Said Keruak said the BN-PN understanding allows the stronger party in each constituency to take the lead.

PETALING JAYA:

The Negeri Sembilan state election could serve as a key test of whether Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional can strike an electoral understanding without forming a formal coalition, says Sabah Umno veteran Salleh Said Keruak.

Salleh said the electoral pact would centre on avoiding unnecessary three- or multi-cornered contests, reducing vote splitting, and allowing the stronger party in each constituency to take the lead.

“This approach gives BN and PN flexibility. Both can maintain their own identities, leadership and policies while cooperating where their electoral interests overlap,” said Salleh, a former Sabah chief minister.

Salleh said cooperation with PN could potentially help BN consolidate the Malay vote, particularly in seats where the two coalitions compete for a similar voter base.

However, the biggest uncertainty in any BN-PN arrangement is voter transferability, as an agreement between party leaders did not imply that supporters would follow suit.

“Success will depend on reducing vote splitting while ensuring that each party retains the confidence of its core supporters,” he added.

In the Negeri Sembilan election, BN is contesting 25 seats in the state assembly while PN is vying for the remaining 11. PH is going solo and contesting all 36 seats.

BN and PH remain allies at the federal level while PN sits in the opposition. - FMT