Sarawak polls to involve 82 seats as DUS Speaker notifies Election Commission of dissolution

Asfia (centre) showing the formal notice of Sarawak Legislative Assembly dissolution after a press conference at DUS Complex on Oct 27, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 27: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar has submitted a formal notice of the dissolution of the Sarawak Assembly to Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun today, with the upcoming State election will involve only 82 seats.

Asfia said the 17 additional state seats approved by the DUS on July 7, 2025, would not be contested in the coming election as the necessary processes to finalise their implementation had not been completed in time.

“The notice, dated Oct 27, informed the EC that the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly had been dissolved effective Oct 26,” he told a press conference at the DUS Complex’s media room today.

He said the dissolution followed the announcement by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Oct 23 and was carried out with the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

“The instrument of proclamation dissolving the Legislative Assembly was signed by our Governor on Friday, Oct 23. The instrument states that the Assembly would be dissolved on Oct 26,” he said.

Asfia said the dissolution was in accordance with Article 21(2) of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak, which empowers the Governor to prorogue or dissolve the State Assembly.

Under Article 21(4), a general election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution, while the newly elected Assembly must convene its first meeting no later than 120 days from the date of dissolution.

With the Assembly dissolved, the responsibility for determining the election timetable and overseeing the electoral process now rests with the EC under Article 113 of the Federal Constitution.

Asfia said the EC would issue a writ of election and publish a notice of election in the Government Gazette before announcing the dates for nomination and polling.

Under Regulation 3(1) of the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981, Nomination Day must be held at least four days after the publication of the notice of election, while Polling Day must be scheduled at least 11 days after Nomination Day.

The statutory timelines provide for a minimum campaign period of 11 days.

Asfia reiterated that the upcoming election would proceed with the existing 82 constituencies, as the 17 additional seats approved by the State Assembly could not be implemented in time.

“The Election Commission has not completed the necessary finalisation processes for the proposed 17 new State Assembly seats. Consequently, these new constituencies will not be utilised in the upcoming election,” he said.

Following the election, the results will be officially gazetted after the respective returning officers declare the winning candidates.

The Governor will then summon the newly elected Sarawak Assembly to convene its first meeting within 120 days of the dissolution, in accordance with the State Constitution.

Asfia said all proceedings of the dissolved Assembly had concluded, marking the start of the next phase of Sarawak’s democratic process.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the 19th State Assembly for their service and contributions to Sarawak and the wellbeing of its people throughout the term.

“The democratic process is now entrusted to the Election Commission and, most importantly, to the citizens of Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily