MELAKA: The Election Commission (EC) is hoping for a 70 per cent voter turnout in Saturday’s Melaka state election despite forecasts of possible rain, as final preparations are being completed across the state.

EC deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom urged voters to cast their ballots regardless of weather conditions, advising them to arrive early to avoid possible disruptions.

“We hope for 70%. This is a state election, not a by-election, so we hope people will be interested in coming out to vote.

“Seventy per cent is a good figure,” he told reporters after inspecting ballot boxes and election materials at Dewan Platinum, Politeknik Merlimau, on Friday.