Malaysia: Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan states will hold elections for assembly seats

Event

Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan states will hold elections for a total of 245 assembly seats, Aug. 12. More than 9.7 million Malaysian will likely vote in the elections. The nomination day for candidates is on July 29, and the campaign period will occur July 29-Aug. 12. Early voting for security personnel such as the army and police will take place on Aug 8.

Political parties will likely organize campaign activities during the campaign period. Campaign rallies and parades are likely in major cities like Sebarang Perai and Subang Jaya, and will likely occur at prominent roadways and intersections, public squares, and landmarks. Well-attended gathering could draw up to a few thousand participants.

Authorities will almost certainly bolster security throughout the campaign period and on election day, especially near polling and counting centers; Police will deploy an additional 9,602 security personnel to monitor the electoral process. Heightened security is likely at nomination centers July 29 and voting and counting centers Aug. 8 and 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.

Context

The July 2023 state elections will be the first major election since the 15th General Election in November 2022, which resulted in a week-long hung parliament. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim finally secured a parliamentary majority with the coalition Unity Government, comprising several coalitions like Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. This election is seen as the first referendum to gauge support for the Unity Government since the election. While the results of the state elections are unlikely to affect the stability of the federal government, they will likely test the cohesion of the Unity Government and the main opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional, as allies to reassess their support for their respective coalitions.

Advice

Plan for an increased security presence and localized transport disruptions in the affected states. Do not attempt to bypass any security barricades. 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. If clashes erupt nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.