PUTRAJAYA, June 12 — The Election Commission (EC) has announced the polling dates for the upcoming state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in the southern region.

EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun confirmed that Johor voters will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day scheduled for June 27 and early voting taking place on July 7.

Negri Sembilan will follow shortly after, with polling day set for Aug 1. Nominations for the state will be held on July 18, followed by early voting on July 28.

MORE TO COME

BATU PAHAT, June 6 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Annual Congress has been postponed to Aug 14-16 to allow the party to focus on preparations for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was made at the party’s monthly Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting held here today.

He said the congress, originally scheduled for June 26-28, would still be held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.

“The postponement will provide PKR Johor and Negeri Sembilan with more time to strengthen preparations for the upcoming state polls,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the meeting also appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and PKR Johor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa as vice-presidents.

“The appointments are aimed at further strengthening the party’s organisation and operations at the central level,” he said. — Bernama