Campaigning is underway for Malaysia's general election on November 19. The race is seen as tight, with parties and coalitions likely struggling to win a simple majority. All 222 seats in the lower house of the parliament are up for grabs.

The ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional, led by incumbent Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, aims to make a strong comeback and return to power.

The vote comes after Ismail dissolved the parliament last month at the request of ruling party leaders.

Spurred by several state election victories since 2020, the ruling coalition believes it has the upper hand over a fragmented opposition before a possible economic slowdown next year.

The opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan, is led by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The coalition formed a government after its victory in the 2018 election, but the administration collapsed less than two years later after a wave of defections.

Anwar said he felt confident about his candidacy.

Mahathir Mohamad, 97, who has served as prime minister twice, has formed a new political party and will run again to defend his seat in the parliament.

Mahathir said, "We intend to work with other parties, but they must be clean parties."

Analysts say if no single coalition can gain a clear majority, the vote may only prolong the current political instability.