Sarawak’s 13th state election dates to be announced today as EC meets

KUCHING, Nov 6 — Sarawak’s 13th State Election timeline is set to be disclosed by the Election Commission (EC) in a special meeting chaired by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun. The meeting, which will see the announcement of election writ date, nomination day, polling day, electoral roll details and other crucial election matters, is expected to follow a press conference.

The dissolution of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Oct 26, as announced by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Oct 23, has triggered the need for the upcoming election. Under the Sarawak State Constitution, Article 21(4), the election must be held within 60 days of the assembly’s dissolution. The 12th state election, held on Dec 18, 2021, saw Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) led by Abang Johari secure a majority with 76 out of 82 seats, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) won four seats and the DAP secured two.

A shift in the political landscape was observed after PSB’s dissolution in 2024, with the party’s former assemblymen joining GPS, one of its component parties, and one becoming an independent. The GPS now comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and PDP.