EC gets funding for Sarawak election in Budget 2020

The Election Commission (EC) has been allocated RM11.75 million for the Sarawak state election under Budget 2020.

In the past, when the EC was perceived to be under the BN government's control, this would have been a strong indicator that elections could be held next year.

However, the situation now is significantly different. 

For one, Sarawak's ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is not part of the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

The EC is also a more independent body now.

The Sarawak state election is due to be held by June 2021 latest.

In the last state election, GPS, then part of BN, swept to power capturing 72 seats, while DAP and PKR only had 10 seats.

This was on the back of popular support for then chief minister Adenan Satem.

DAP, in particular, suffered a setback, losing 5 seats it had held previously.

The dynamics for the next state election are expected to be different.

After the Sarawak ruling parties formed GPS, BN has no representation in the state.

However, BN lynchpin party Umno's new ally PAS, does have a presence in Sarawak, albeit it has never won any seats.

Meanwhile, Harapan will also have Bersatu among its ranks.