KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 26 candidates forfeited their election deposits after failing to secure at least one-eighth of the total votes cast in the 16th Melaka election.

Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) recorded the highest number of candidates losing their deposits, with 15 of its 16 candidates failing to secure the minimum number of votes required.

Bersatu saw five of its seven candidates lose their deposits, while Pakatan Harapan had two of its 24 candidates suffer the same fate.

Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), which fielded one candidate in Gadek, and three independent candidates also failed to secure enough votes to retain their deposits.