THE Election Commission (EC) must schedule Sarawak’s 13th state election within 60 days following the official dissolution of the state assembly today, setting the stage for the next electoral contest in the state.
Under Article 21(4) of the Sarawak Constitution, polling must take place within the 60-day period. The EC is expected to determine the nomination and polling dates at a special meeting after receiving formal notification of the dissolution.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said on Oct 23 that the date of the special meeting would be set once the commission received official notification from the Sarawak Assembly Speaker.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the dissolution last Friday after obtaining the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Abang Johari, who chairs Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said the state government would operate as a caretaker administration in accordance with constitutional requirements and conventions.
“Public administration and essential services will continue to ensure that the needs and welfare of the people remain protected,” he said.
The 82-seat Assembly’s current term was due to expire in February 2027.
In the December 2021 state election, GPS won 76 seats, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secured four and DAP won two.
PSB was dissolved in 2024, after which three former assemblymen joined Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP), a GPS component party. Former Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How subsequently became an independent representative.
GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and PDP. - October 26, 2026