Readiness, logistics cited for staggered Johor and Negri elections
PUTRAJAYA: Operational readiness, logistical factors and ensuring election workers have sufficient training are among the main reasons why the Election Commission (EC) decided to hold the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections separately, says EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun (pic).
He noted that the sudden dissolution of the Negri Sembilan assembly forced the EC to pivot its strategy.
“For Negri Sembilan, it’s considered a snap election, and we were completely unprepared for it.
“We only have ballot boxes there. We need time for EC workers to focus and complete the Johor polls before moving our entire team to Negri Sembilan.
“If both elections were held simultaneously, preparations would not be sufficient,” he said after announcing the polling dates for Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections at the EC headquarters here yesterday.
Asked about the dissolution of the 36-seat Negri Sembilan state assembly, Ramlan said the matter was beyond the EC’s jurisdiction.
He said the EC had sought the views of the Attorney General’s Chambers on this matter.
“For now, there is no issue that affects the election process.”
Ramlan earlier announced that the Johor state polls will be held on July 11, while the Negri Sembilan polls will be held on Aug 1.
On June 1, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the Johor state legislative assembly after obtaining the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
This paves the way for Johor’s 16th state election.
Johor last held a state election on March 12, 2022, in which Barisan secured a two-thirds majority after winning 40 of the 56 seats.
Of the 40 Barisan seats, Umno holds 33 seats, MCA four and MIC three.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional took three and Muda won one.
This was followed by the announcement from Negri Sembilan’s Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, on June 4 that the state’s legislative assembly would be dissolved the following day after obtaining the consent of Negri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The last state polls were held on Aug 12, 2023.
Pakatan won 17 seats in the state, followed by Barisan (14) and Perikatan (five).
Negri Sembilan plunged into a political crisis after the 14 Barisan assemblymen from Umno withdrew support for Aminuddin’s government.
They claimed to have been left with no other option but to declare a loss of confidence, as the Mentri Besar had failed to handle the state royal crisis.
