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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?
As of September 2026, the next state elections to watch are Melaka and Sarawak. Johor and Negeri Sembilan have already completed their state elections, while most other states are due in late 2027 or 2028 unless dissolved earlier.
| State / legislature | Latest election | Current status | Dissolution deadline | Latest / actual polling date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Dewan Rakyat |
19 November 2022 GE15 |
Automatic deadline | 19 December 2027 | 17 February 2028 |
| Johor | 11 July 2026 | Election held | 27 August 2031 Based on new term first sitting |
26 October 2031 Latest next polling date |
| Kedah | 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | 25 September 2028 | 24 November 2028 |
| Kelantan | 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | 5 September 2028 | 4 November 2028 |
| Melaka | 20 November 2021 | Automatic deadline | 27 December 2026 | 25 February 2027 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 1 August 2026 | Election held | 18 August 2031 Based on new term first sitting |
17 October 2031 Latest next polling date |
| Pahang | 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | 29 December 2027 | 27 February 2028 |
| Penang | 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | 29 August 2028 | 28 October 2028 |
| Perak | 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | 19 December 2027 | 17 February 2028 |
| Perlis | 19 November 2022 Held with GE15 |
Automatic deadline | 19 December 2027 | 17 February 2028 |
| Sabah | 29 November 2025 | Automatic deadline | 11 December 2030 | 9 February 2031 |
| Sarawak | 18 December 2021 | Automatic deadline | 14 February 2027 | 15 April 2027 |
| Selangor | 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | 19 September 2028 | 18 November 2028 |
| Terengganu | 12 August 2023 | Automatic deadline | 24 September 2028 | 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.
