KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will be fielding 108 candidates in the upcoming state polls in six states, says coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

From the figure, he said about 63% of candidates would be new faces.

"Only 18% are incumbents, whereas nearly 20% of our candidates are those who had contested before but chose to offer themselves again.

"This is proof that there is continuity between old and new," said Ahmad Zahid.

He also said Barisan candidates would mostly be youths and women.

"87% of our candidates have high academic qualifications, including professionals," added Ahmad Zahid.

There are a total of 245 seats up for grabs in six states – Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, and Negri Sembilan – on Aug 12.

Ahmad Zahid said the candidates were scrutinised meticulously by top Barisan leaders.

"We are looking at not just insolvency status but also if the candidate has a criminal record or ongoing court cases, including those at the Syariah courts," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also said he personally met all candidates before finalising Barisan's lineup for the state polls.

"They are the best among the best," added Ahmad Zahid.

Of the 108 seats, Barisan will be contesting 15 in Kedah, Terengganu (27), Kelantan (31), Penang (six), Selangor (12) and Negri Sembilan (17).

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan later said only one seat in Terengganu, Tanjung Dawai, remained unannounced.

"We are still conducting the screening process," said Mohamad.

Nominations for the state elections will be on July 29 and polling on Aug 12.