Malaysia: Johor State to hold state legislative assembly elections March 12

Event

Johor State will hold elections March 12 for seats in the state's legislative assembly. The candidates will file their nominations Feb. 26, and the campaign period will occur Feb. 27-March 11. Campaign programs, including rallies, will likely involve fewer participants than in past election events due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. The election commission has banned gatherings at nomination centers on nomination day. Election rallies can occur with a maximum of 100 people and through 22:00 nightly; the enforcement level of the rules is unclear.

Authorities will almost certainly bolster security throughout the campaign period and on election day. Heightened security is likely at the nomination centers Feb. 26 and voting and counting centers March 12. Localized traffic and business disruptions are possible if officials erect roadblocks and conduct security checks. Minor clashes between security forces and rally participants or between opposing groups of supporters may occur. Officials will likely intensify COVID-19 health checks at election events as a precaution.

Context

The election will occur after Johor's chief minister Hasni Mohammad of the Barisan Nasional (BN), dissolved the state legislative assembly on Jan. 22. BN and Perserikatan Nasional (PN)'s ruling coalition had lost its simple majority after its member and former chief minister Osman Sapian died in December 2021. The Johor state election is the third state-level election since BN leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob took over as Prime Minister in August 2021.

Advice

Avoid any rallies, party offices, polling stations, and counting centers, as a precaution. Seek updated information from local sources for updates on events, as organizers may not announce details in advance. Use alternative routes to avoid election-related events; allow additional time to reach destinations.