In a policy paper, the election watchdog projected low turnouts of between 50% and 60% for the state elections, saying voters largely viewed them as of lesser importance.
However, it warned that the “legitimacy” of the new state governments could be affected when victories in some constituencies are determined by small margins.
Bersih said there should be one common polling date for the six states, and that it should be announced six months in advance.
It said this could be done if the Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu governments agree to complete their full terms, while Penang agrees to dissolve its state assembly earlier.
“As an election must be held within 60 days from dissolution, the EC can determine and announce the dates for nomination and polling once the dissolution dates are known.
“There is absolutely no ground for the EC to not do so if the dissolution dates are known in advance,” it said.
According to Bersih, Selangor’s state assembly will be automatically dissolved on June 26, followed by Kelantan (June 28), Terengganu (July 1), Negeri Sembilan (July 2), Kedah (July 4) and Penang (Aug 2).
The Penang state assembly’s mandatory dissolution is set for later as its first sitting after the 14th general election was on Aug 2, 2018.
“The implication is that simultaneous elections can be held for all five states latest on Aug 25, to meet the 60-day constitutional requirement. Aug 19 can be the polling day if a Saturday is preferred,” it said.
“However, as state assemblies may also be mandatorily dissolved if they do not sit for more than six months, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan must convene their state assemblies in 2023 to avoid early dissolutions.”
Bersih believed that announcing the dates early would allow EC personnel, police officers, civil servants, party workers, media practitioners, business owners and voters in general, to better plan their work and personal life.
At a press conference following the policy paper’s release, political scientist Wong Chin Huat said the EC should also expand absentee voting facilities to those who are unavailable to vote on the date of the election to encourage greater voter turnout.