KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) does not have the authority to increase the number of seats in the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak, clarified Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) in a statement on Thursday (May 16).
It said that while the EC can redraw electoral boundaries, any increase in the number of state assemblymen (ADUNs) and constituencies requires a state law passed by DUN.
“This distinction was highlighted in light of the upcoming redelineation exercise in Sarawak.
“The last such exercise in 2015 saw DUN pass a law to increase the number of assembly seats before the EC proceeded with boundary adjustments.
“Political parties and coalitions, like Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), can submit proposals to the EC for boundary redelineation based on factors like voter population changes and administrative needs. However, the final decision on increasing state seats rests solely with DUN.”
According to the Federal Constitution, groups of 100 or more affected voters, local councils, and the state government have the right to submit objections to the EC’s redelineation proposals.
To raise awareness about the redelineation process, ROSE will launch a campaign to educate Sarawakian voters on their participation rights.
The campaign will include infographics, online content, and planned roadshows. ROSE encourages the public to follow their updates on Facebook and Instagram.
