# Sarawak state election planning and assembly dissolution

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sarawak-state-election-planning
> Updated: 2026-11-07T07:43:33.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5.

Speculation regarding the timing of the 13th Sarawak State Election has materialized following the official dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on October 26. This dissolution triggers the requirement to hold the election within 60 days.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the official timetable, setting polling day for December 12, 2026. The schedule includes nomination day on November 28 and early voting on December 8. The election writ is scheduled for issuance on November 6. Approximately 2,058,781 people are eligible to vote, including over 2 million ordinary voters and military and police personnel. To manage the process, the EC has appointed 82 returning officers, 305 assistant returning officers, and 82 election campaign enforcement teams.

Logistical concerns have been raised regarding the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to last until March 2027. The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has indicated it will coordinate weather forecasts with the EC to mitigate challenges, particularly for remote areas.

The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition is preparing for the vote. As part of these preparations, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is intensifying its machinery by conducting training sessions for election workers, including polling station and counting agents (PACA). In the Saribas constituency, branch chief Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam reported a significant increase in registered voters, rising to 17,383 under the September 2026 Permanent Electoral Roll from 10,984 in 2021. PBB leadership has emphasized early mobilization through state-level coordination and dedicated committees.

## Claims

- The 13th Sarawak State Election polling day is set for December 12, 2026. (reported by 6 sources)
- Nomination day for the Sarawak state election is scheduled for November 28. (reported by 6 sources)
- Early voting for the Sarawak state election will take place on December 8. (reported by 6 sources)
- The 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on October 26. (reported by 6 sources)
- The EC has appointed 82 returning officers and 305 assistant returning officers. (reported by 3 sources)
- There are 2,058,781 eligible voters for the Sarawak election. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-07: PBB strengthens machinery for 13th Sarawak state election

PBB is ramping up training and organizational readiness for the 13th Sarawak state election, noting a significant rise in registered voters in the Saribas constituency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pbb-strengthens-machinery-for-13th-sarawak-state-election

### 2026-11-04: Sarawak State Election scheduled for December 12

The Election Commission has set December 12, 2026, as the polling day for the 13th Sarawak State Election, with nominations on November 28.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarawak-disaster-management-committee-to-coordinate-weather-forecasts-for-state-elections

### 2026-11-01: Sarawak political figures and party wings prepare for upcoming state elections

Political leaders and party wings in Sarawak, including PBB branches, are mobilizing and endorsing incumbents ahead of the 13th Sarawak State Election.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarawak-political-figures-and-party-wings-prepare-for-upcoming-state-elections

### 2026-10-27: Sarawak state assembly dissolution triggers upcoming elections

Sarawak's state assembly dissolution sets the stage for the 13th State Election, with the ruling GPS coalition facing internal candidate competition.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarawak-state-assembly-dissolution-triggers-upcoming-elections

### 2026-10-17: Sarawak state election likely to be held in December

Sarawak's 13th state election is projected for December, following the potential imminent dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarawak-state-election-likely-to-be-held-in-december

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Cite as: Sarawak state election planning and assembly dissolution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sarawak-state-election-planning
