THE Election Commission (EC) has moved into a heightened state of preparedness amid mounting speculation over possible early dissolutions of several state legislative assemblies and a snap 16th General Election (GE16).
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the commission was maintaining full operational readiness to face any immediate dissolution of the state assemblies in Melaka, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, while simultaneously intensifying nationwide preparations for the next general election.
The move follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, indicating that GE16 could potentially be held earlier than the current parliamentary term expiry in December 2027.
Ramlan said the EC had already activated a series of proactive measures to ensure election operations could be executed smoothly and within the constitutionally mandated timeframe should Parliament or any state assembly be dissolved unexpectedly.
“It includes coordination between state election offices and the respective State Secretary administrative offices,” he told Berita Harian.
“In addition, we are updating polling centre locations and logistical facilities, conducting training sessions with election personnel and assessing equipment requirements in the relevant states.”
He said the EC was also carrying out detailed reviews and data collection relating to operational and logistical requirements for GE16, including procurement, workforce management, election materials and other key components necessary for conducting nationwide polls.
While declining to disclose projected election expenditure at this stage, Ramlan stressed that overall costs would depend on prevailing operational needs and eventual decisions regarding the timing and implementation of the polls.
“From the financial implication aspect, the estimated cost of implementing a general election depends on several factors, including the number of registered voters, polling centres, election equipment, use of technology and current operational requirements,” he said.
He added that the EC continued to work closely with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, to ensure all procurement and election-related requirements were managed in an orderly and prudent manner.
“Based on legal provisions, the EC has a period of 60 days from the date of dissolution to conduct the election process,” he said.
“The momentum of thorough preparations currently being actively implemented will continue to ensure election matters can be carried out efficiently and smoothly.”
Ramlan also reaffirmed that the EC remained constitutionally prepared for any parliamentary dissolution, noting that continuous preparations were being maintained across all operational sectors.
These include voter roll management, polling centre preparation, election officer training, postal voting systems, technology management and procurement of critical election materials such as ballot papers, ballot boxes and indelible ink.
Since December 15, 2021, the EC has also implemented automatic voter registration and continuous polling station update mechanisms to improve electoral accessibility and administrative efficiency.
“The current electoral roll is continuously maintained, updated and gazetted every month according to legal provisions,” he said.
“For logistics and operational aspects, the EC also conducts periodic reviews of reserve stocks of election materials, including voting equipment and other technical requirements, to ensure the election process can be implemented within the stipulated period if Parliament is dissolved.
“The EC also continuously updates requirements for additional equipment to facilitate and streamline future procurement processes,” he added. - May 20, 2026
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