Poll date set in Malaysia

Malaysians will vote on March 8 in the next general election, which is expected to return the ruling coalition to power despite widespread public anger over inflation, crime and racial discord.

The Election Commission announced today that candidates will be nominated on February 24, which will officially launch a 13-day campaign period before the March 8 vote.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had announced early elections yesterday at a hastily convened news conference.

The elections had not been due until mid-2009 when Mr Abdullah’s five-year term was over but most prime ministers have traditionally sought a fresh mandate after four years.