The Melaka assembly is dissolved. What's next?

MELAKA: Following the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly, the state administration enters a transition phase governed by constitutional protocols and election regulations.

The following is a step-by-step breakdown of what happens next and how the caretaker government operates:

1. The 60-day constitutional window

Under the Melaka State Constitution, a state election must be conducted within 60 days from the date of the assembly's dissolution.

Notification: The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly will formally notify the Election Commission (EC) of the dissolution.

Election Commission (EC) special meeting: The EC will convene a special meeting to fix key dates:

Writ of election: Official notice announcing the poll.

Nomination day: Candidate registration (typically 10 to 14 days after the meeting).

Campaign period: Must run for a minimum of 11 days.

Early voting and polling day: Date set for regular and early voters.

2. Caretaker government rules

From the moment of dissolution until a new chief minister is sworn in, the existing state executive council (exco) functions strictly as a caretaker government.

What a caretaker government can do:

- Carry out routine administrative duties to ensure government services run uninterrupted.

- Respond to emergencies, natural disasters, or public health crises.

- Implement previously approved policies and budget allocations already passed in the State assembly.

What a caretaker government cannot do:

- Make major policy decisions or sign binding long-term state contracts.

- Announce major financial allocations or new development projects aimed at influencing voters.

- Utilise state assets, official vehicles, or government machinery for political campaigning.

3. What happens on polling day?

Once voting concludes, results are tallied across the 28 state seats. The party or coalition that secures at least 15 seats will be invited by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to form the government and present their chief minister candidate.