KINIGUIDE | Pakatan Harapan and BN are competing head-on in the Johor state polls to prove which coalition truly dominates this southern state, in a contest that would have direct implications for the future of the Madani government.

As nominations for candidates closed today, the presence of these coalitions means that the majority of contests - or 42 seats - are between multiple candidates.

Of that number, three-cornered contests are the most common in 27 constituencies, while 12 seats will see four candidates.

Malaysiakini takes a closer look at the main trends shaping this election, identifying the hottest contests and the key personalities involved.

The main players

There are three main coalitions: Harapan, BN, and Perikatan Nasional.

But the main fight is between...