Redelineation exercise can start after state constitution amended: EC

The Election Commission (EC) is set to start the electoral boundary redelineation of parliamentary and state constituencies in Sabah after amendments to the state constitution.

EC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said a study would be carried out after a notice for the redelineation exercise is issued and should be completed in two years.

"The study must be carried out based on the 13th schedule of the Federal Constitution.

"This is to ensure the additional seats will have elected representatives in every division, just like what was carried out in the delineation exercise in Sarawak in line with Article 117 of the Federal Constitution," he said in a statement Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Sabah state assembly approved amendments to the state constitution by adding 13 new seats, increasing the number of seats from the current 60 to 73.

Mohd Hashim said election for the new seats will only commence once all the procedures involved are done, including the realignment of the electoral boundaries.