Sarawak election countdown begins with assembly dissolution today, EC meeting next

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announces the dissolution of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly effective October 26 during a press conference at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya, Kuching on October 23, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 8:46 AM MYT

KUCHING, Oct 26 — The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was officially dissolved today, paving the way for the 13th Sarawak State Election.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the dissolution on Friday (Oct 23) after receiving the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Article 21(4) of the State Constitution stipulates that the state election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution.

Attention now turns to the Election Commission (EC) to set a date for a special meeting to discuss key dates for the Sarawak polls.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said on Friday that the commission would determine the special meeting date after receiving formal notification of the dissolution from the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, said the state government would carry out its duties as a caretaker government during this period in accordance with all applicable constitutional requirements and conventions.

“Public administration and essential services will continue to ensure the needs and welfare of the people are safeguarded,” he said.

The current term of the 82-seat Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is due to expire in February 2027.

GPS won 76 of the 82 seats contested in the 12th Sarawak State Election on Dec 18, 2021, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) took four seats and DAP secured two.

The state’s political landscape changed after PSB dissolved in 2024, when three of its former state assemblymen joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a component party of GPS.

Another former PSB assemblyman, See Chee How, who represents Batu Lintang, subsequently left the party to sit as an Independent.

GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and PDP. — Bernama