Why did Bersama fail to meet the 12.5 per cent vote threshold?

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Bersama Lost All Election Deposits Due to Voter Preference for Established Parties

Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) experienced a significant setback in its electoral debut during the 16th Johor state election, with all 15 of its candidates failing to secure the minimum one-eighth (12.5 per cent) of the total votes cast in their respective constituencies. This outcome resulted in the forfeiture of election deposits for every candidate fielded by the party. The results indicate a continued voter inclination towards established political entities, a trend that overshadowed Bersama's campaign efforts.
All 15 Bersama Candidates Lost Deposits

In the 16th Johor state election, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) fielded 15 candidates across various constituencies, including Bukit Naning, Mahkota, Tiram, Permas, Larkin, Kempas, Kota Iskandar, Bukit Permai, Johor Jaya, Stulang, Perling, Skudai, Senai, Bukit Batu, and Puteri Wangsa. The electoral commission's official results confirmed that none of these candidates managed to achieve the 12.5 per cent vote share necessary to retain their election deposits, marking a disappointing maiden outing for the party.
Established Parties Continued to Garner Voter Support

The outcome of the 16th Johor state election demonstrated a clear preference among voters for established political parties. Barisan Nasional (BN) emerged victorious, securing 48 out of the 56 state seats and retaining its mandate to govern the state. Pakatan Harapan (PH) also secured a notable number of seats, winning eight. In contrast, newer parties and those with less established track records, including Perikatan Nasional (PN), Bersama, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), along with independent candidates, failed to win any seats, underscoring the challenge faced by emerging political forces.
Leadership's Confidence Contrasted with Electoral Reality

Despite the leadership of Bersama, which includes former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, expressing confidence in their candidates, comprising professionals and community activists, the electoral results did not align with these expectations. The party's debut campaign, while featuring a slate of candidates intended to resonate with the electorate, ultimately could not overcome the established appeal of the larger, more recognised political coalitions in Johor.

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Why did Bersama fail to meet the 12.5 per cent vote threshold?

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