Logistics Cited as Reason for Separate Johor, Negeri Sembilan State Elections

Logistical challenges and the readiness of election staff are the main factors preventing the simultaneous holding of state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, according to the Chairman of the Election Commission (SPR), Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun.

Ramlan explained that the sudden dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly caught the commission unprepared. "Negeri Sembilan's assembly dissolved unexpectedly, so the situation was not ready at all," he stated. "Negeri Sembilan only had ballot boxes. We needed time for our staff to focus fully and for us to complete the Johor election before bringing all the support staff to Negeri Sembilan. If we held them simultaneously, our preparations would not have been sufficient at that time."

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Negeri Sembilan's assembly dissolved unexpectedly, so the situation was not ready at all. Negeri Sembilan only had ballot boxes. We needed time for our staff to focus fully and for us to complete the Johor election before bringing all the support staff to Negeri Sembilan. If we held them simultaneously, our preparations would not have been sufficient at that time.

The SPR has officially set the polling dates for the 16th state elections separately: July 11 for Johor and August 1 for Negeri Sembilan. This decision aims to ensure smoother execution and adequate preparation for both electoral processes.

Regarding the confirmation of the Negeri Sembilan assembly's dissolution, Ramlan emphasized that the matter falls outside the SPR's jurisdiction. However, he confirmed that the commission has sought and received counsel from the Attorney General's office on the issue. "We received the Attorney General's opinion. For now, there is no issue for the SPR," he added.

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We received the Attorney General's opinion. For now, there is no issue for the SPR.