[UPDATED] Johor assembly dissolves, election within 60 days

JOHOR BARU: The Johor state assembly has been dissolved, paving the way for the next state election to be held within 60 days.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said following an audience earlier today, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim consented to the dissolution of the assembly.

"The 56-seat Johor state assembly is officially dissolved today, paving the way for the 16th Johor state election," he said during a special press conference at his official residence in Saujana this afternoon.

Also present were former Johor executive council members and Johor Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi, among others.

The move ends weeks of speculation, although the assembly's term was due to expire only in April next year.

The 16th Johor state election is shaping up to be dominated by four-cornered contests, with Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Bersama, all signalling their intention to contest the 56 state seats.

It is expected there will be multi-cornered fights in most constituencies, although several seats could see more than four-cornered contests if smaller parties and independents enter the fray.

The election is also being closely watched as a key test of support for the BN-led Johor state government, the unity government and the strength of opposition forces ahead of the next general election.

In the 2022 state election, Barisan Nasional secured a commanding victory by winning 40 of the 56 seats.

Pakatan Harapan holds 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional three, and Muda one.