[UPDATED] EC to meet on Wed to discuss state poll matters

KUALA LUMPUR – The Election Commission (EC) will be meeting on Wednesday (July 5) over the upcoming polls in six states. 

In a statement, the EC said that the special meeting will be chaired by commission chief Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh and is expected to discuss the nomination date, polling date and other matters.  

A press conference is expected to be held after the meeting is concluded.  

This comes after the EC received notices of assembly dissolution in all the states – Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu – from their respective speakers.

The EC is required to set a polling date within 60 days of the dissolution of the state assemblies. 

Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, had suggested that the six state elections will take place in August.  

Three of the six states – Penang, Negri Sembilan and Selangor - are currently held by PH while the other three – Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – are governed by Perikatan Nasional.  

The polls will be the first state elections since the formation of the federal unity government and are said to be a test of Anwar’s support among the masses.  

The next general election, which will feature a race for seats in the Dewan Rakyat and several other state assemblies, is not due until February 2027. – The Vibes, July 3, 2023