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Malaysian general elections set for 5 May | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A general election will be held in Malaysia on 5 May, the Election Commission said, in what is seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition. | A general election will be held in Malaysia on 5 May, the Election Commission said, in what is seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition. |
The governing party has been in power for a 56-year period. However, the opposition has been gaining ground on a pledge to end corruption. | |
In 2008, the ruling National Front lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority for the first time. | |
Formal campaigning starts on 20 April. | |
Mr Najib dissolved parliament last week and will serve as caretaker prime minister until the elections. | |
In recent weeks, he has been highlighting Malaysia's economic successes under his leadership, as well as giving cash handouts. | |
On Saturday, he unveiled his manifesto pledging cash for the poor and more affordable living costs. | |
Opinion polls suggest a narrow win for the National Front, and Mr Najib faces pressure to return the party to its two-thirds majority in parliament. |