First-time Voters Embrace Democracy With Excitement In Negeri Sembilan Polls

SEREMBAN, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- For many first-time voters in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election today, casting their ballot was more than just fulfilling a civic duty -- it was a memorable milestone marked by a mix of excitement, nervousness and pride.

Some admitted to having trembling hands, while others described racing hearts as they entered polling centres, which opened at 8 am.

Fashion designer Hani Eriqa Mazlan, 21, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, said voting for the first time gave her a deeper appreciation of the democratic process, which she had previously only observed from afar.

"I was definitely nervous, and my hands were shaking because this was my first time voting. I had always known about elections, but actually going through the process myself felt completely different.

"I have observed the issues and know what is best for Negeri Sembilan. Today, we make our choice," she told reporters after casting her ballot at the Sekolah Menengah Agama Dato' Klana Petra Maamor polling centre here.

Hani Eriqa, the second of three siblings, arrived at the polling centre with her younger sister, Hani Mazri Eyna, 20, who was also voting for the first time, along with five other family members.

Hani Mazri Eyna, a college student, said the experience highlighted the importance of every vote in choosing representatives who will champion the interests and aspirations of the people.

"I was a little nervous, but at the same time excited because it was my first opportunity to fulfil my responsibility as a voter," she said.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old M. Lavinesh Nair from Kampung Jiboi shared a similar experience after arriving at the polling centre with his family at about 9 am.

The college student admitted he initially felt overwhelmed by the large crowd and was unsure of the voting procedures.

"I was certainly nervous because there were so many people, and I was a little confused at first. But the Election Commission (EC) officers were very helpful and guided me through the process.

"Now that I have voted, I know what the experience is really like," said the eldest of two siblings.

Lavinesh described the experience as a meaningful milestone, saying it marked the beginning of his responsibility as a young Malaysian to help elect representatives who would voice the concerns of the people in Negeri Sembilan.

As of 11 am, voter turnout had reached 28.11 per cent.

A total of 859,760 registered voters, including 7,391 postal voters, are eligible to cast their ballots today to elect representatives for the state's 36 legislative assembly seats, with 103 candidates contesting.

Early voting, held on July 28, recorded a turnout of 91.06 per cent, with 14,995 voters casting their ballots, surpassing the EC's target of 90 per cent.

For the latest news on the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/n9.

-- BERNAMA