Sarawak election dates to be announced today as Dec 19 polling day tipped

KUCHING, Nov 6 — Sarawak's upcoming election calendar is set to be announced today as the Election Commission (EC) holds a special meeting to determine the critical dates and logistics for the 13th State Election. The meeting, presided over by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, will be succeeded by a press conference expected to disclose the election writ date, nomination day, polling day, the electoral roll to be used, and other pertinent election details.

On Oct 23, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg confirmed the dissolution of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, effective Oct 26, setting the stage for the 13th Sarawak State Election. In accordance with Article 21(4) of the Sarawak State Constitution, the election must transpire within 60 days of the dissolution date.

The 82-member Sarawak State Legislative Assembly's term is scheduled to conclude in February 2027. The 12th State Election, held on Dec 18, 2021, saw Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), led by Abang Johari, emerge victorious, capturing 76 out of the 82 contested seats. Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) claimed four seats, while the DAP secured two.

However, the political landscape underwent a transformation following PSB's dissolution in 2024, with three former PSB assemblymen joining the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), one of GPS's component parties. Additionally, another former PSB assemblyman, See Chee How, who represented Batu Lintang, severed ties with the party and became an independent assemblyman.

GPS is a coalition consisting of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and PDP.