Malaysia: General elections May 9 /update 1

Event

General elections will be held on Wednesday, May 9, throughout Malaysia. Political gathering are likely to take place in the days leading up to the election. Protests denouncing the election results are also possible following the vote, particular if there are allegations of fraud, as has been the case in the past. Foreign nationals should note reminded that all participation in political activities or protests is strictly forbidden by the law.

Context

The election date was intentionally chosen to come before Ramadan - a major festive period for the Muslim-majority country - which begins this year on May 15.

On May 9 candidates will vie for 222 national parliamentary seats and 505 state seats (with state elections held everywhere except the eastern Borneo state of Sarawak, which conducted its state election in 2017). A simple majority of 112 parliamentary seats will deliver a victory to Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is leading the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition against the challenge of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. In the last general elections held in 2013, BN managed to win 133 out of the 222 seats.

Advice

Individuals present in Malaysia are advised to avoid public rallies, refrain from discussing domestic political issues, and anticipate a heightened security presence in urban areas.