The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is fully prepared to conduct elections within 60 days after the dissolution of Parliament or state legislative assemblies, allowing for snap polls if called [1, 2].
Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the EC has been carrying out nationwide preparations, including logistics planning, updating electoral rolls, training election officers, and maintaining election equipment such as ballot papers, ballot boxes, and indelible ink [1]. "Since Dec 15, 2021, EC has implemented the automatic voter registration mechanism and facilities for updating polling locations on a 24-hour basis," he said [1].
The EC is also conducting detailed studies and collecting operational and logistical data to prepare for the 16th General Election (GE16). This covers staffing, procurement, and election materials [1, 2]. It is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies to prudently manage procurement and election requirements [1, 2].
Preparations involve coordination between state election offices and state secretariats in anticipation of possible early state elections in Melaka, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan [1, 2].
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently indicated snap general elections could be held before the current parliamentary term expires in December 2027 [2]. Ramlan underscored the legal timeline, noting, "Based on legal provisions, the EC has a period of 60 days from the date of dissolution to conduct the election process" [2].
Regarding costs, Ramlan said, "The estimated cost of implementing a general election depends on several factors, including the number of registered voters, polling centres, election equipment, use of technology and current operational requirements" but did not provide a specific figure [2].
On June 13, 2026, Ramlan reaffirmed ongoing proactive election preparations and the EC’s readiness for snap polls [1, 2]. The automatic voter registration system and 24-hour polling location update have been in place since December 15, 2021 [1].
