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GE16, also known as PRU16 or Malaysia's 16th General Election, has not been announced. The latest possible GE16 polling date is 17 February 2028 if Parliament runs its full term.
The 15th Parliament first met on 19 December 2022. Under Malaysia's parliamentary timeline, Parliament can continue for five years from its first sitting unless it is dissolved earlier.
If it reaches the end of its full term, the Dewan Rakyat automatically dissolves on 19 December 2027.
After Parliament is dissolved, a general election must be held within 60 days.
However, there could be multiple state elections held before the general election, as state-level and federal elections serve different purposes.
Can the 16th General Election (GE16) happen earlier?
Yes. GE16 can happen earlier if parliament is dissolved before the end of its full term.
The 2027 deadline is only the latest automatic dissolution date, not a fixed election date.
What is the difference between a state election and a parliamentary election?
A state election chooses state assembly representatives, while a parliamentary election chooses members of parliament (MPs).
In simple terms, state elections affect the state government. Parliamentary elections, including GE16, affect the federal government.
What are the deadlines for each state legislative assembly and parliament to be dissolved ahead of the next elections?
Tip: Swipe left or right to view the full table.
| State or legislature | Last election | Current status | Automatic or actual dissolution date | Latest or announced polling date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Dewan Rakyat |
Last election: 19 November 2022 GE15 |
Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 19 December 2027 |
Latest polling date: 17 February 2028 |
| Johor | Last election: 12 March 2022 | Dissolved | Actual dissolution date: 1 June 2026 |
Announced polling date: 11 July 2026 Original latest polling deadline: June 2027 |
| Kedah | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 25 September 2028 |
Latest polling date: 24 November 2028 |
| Kelantan | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 5 September 2028 |
Latest polling date: 4 November 2028 |
| Melaka | Last election: 20 November 2021 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 27 December 2026 |
Latest polling date: 25 February 2027 |
| Negeri Sembilan | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Dissolved | Actual dissolution date: 5 June 2026 |
Announced polling date: 1 August 2026 Original latest polling deadline: November 2028 |
| Pahang | Last election: 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 29 December 2027 |
Latest polling date: 27 February 2028 |
| Penang | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 29 August 2028 |
Latest polling date: 28 October 2028 |
| Perak | Last election: 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 19 December 2027 |
Latest polling date: 17 February 2028 |
| Perlis | Last election: 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 19 December 2027 |
Latest polling date: 17 February 2028 |
| Sabah | Last election: 29 November 2025 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 11 December 2030 |
Latest polling date: 9 February 2031 |
| Sarawak | Last election: 18 December 2021 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 14 February 2027 |
Latest polling date: 15 April 2027 |
| Selangor | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 19 September 2028 |
Latest polling date: 18 November 2028 |
| Terengganu | Last election: 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | Automatic dissolution date: 24 September 2028 |
Latest polling date: 23 November 2028 |
Frequently asked questions about GE16:
What happens after a state assembly is dissolved?
An election must be held within 60 days after a state assembly is dissolved.
This is why polling dates are usually announced soon after dissolution.
Why do some states vote separately from GE16?
Some states vote separately because their state assemblies are on different timelines from parliament.
Once a state holds an election earlier or later than the federal election, its next deadline also becomes different.
Can a state election affect GE16?
Politically, yes. State elections can show voter sentiment before GE16.
They do not decide the federal government, but parties often treat them as a test of support, campaign strength, and coalition performance.
Why should voters care about election deadlines early?
Election deadlines help voters prepare before polling day is announced.
This gives voters more time to check their voter status, update their address, confirm their polling centre, or plan travel back to vote.
