State election: Ball in EC’s court

0

C_PC0012423KUCHING: The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) will send the official letter of dissolution to the Election Commission (EC) today via post.

According to DUN speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, a copy of the letter had been faxed to EC this morning.

“I have informed EC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah this morning, by way of a letter dated today (April 1, 2016) with regards to the dissolution of the DUN – for EC to take the necessary action in particular to announce the dates of nomination day and polling day.

“I have sent the letter by fax. The instrument of dissolution will be sent by poslaju. Therefore I leave this matter in the safe hand of EC for further necessary action,” he told a press conference at the DUN complex here yesterday.

He said the election is within the purview and exclusive reserve of the EC, to announce the dates for nomination and polling day, as well as the conducting of election thereof, in pursuance to Article 113 of the Federal Constitution.

Asfia pointed out that the instrument of dissolution was signed by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on March 31, stating that the dissolution shall take affect on April 11, 2016.

He also mentioned that under Article 21 (4) of the State Constitution, a general election must be held within 60 days after the DUN is dissolved. The new State Legislative Assembly must convene on a date not later than 120 days from the date of dissolution.

“We are pleased that the governor has numerically chosen April 11, 2016 as the date of the DUN dissolution. Eleven signifies 11 new additional seat and that this would be the 11th state election. The number coincides with 11-11-11,” he added.