PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional will have an electoral pact in place ahead of the upcoming polls in six states instead of forming another coalition, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
"We are now discussing with Umno and Barisan Nasional. It will not be a coalition but an electoral pact," the PKR secretary-general said at a press conference at the party's headquarters here on Thursday (March 16).
He added that they would not vie for the same seats to increase their winning chances in the upcoming state elections.
ALSO READ : Six states aiming for consensus on polls date
"When they are contesting, we will not contest (for the same seat). When we contest, they will not. That is the minimum understanding," he added.
He said seat negotiations would be among the matters discussed by the unity government council, which will meet on March 19 at the WTC Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Noting that the preparations for the state elections are progressing well, Saifuddin said on Pakatan's side, analysis on data from the past performance and the Election Commission have been conducted and tabled to the coalition's leadership.
ALSO READ : Experts: Concurrent polls shows confidence
"This will be the basis for seat negotiations and building strategy," he said.
Within the coalition, the parties will stick to its norm for seat allocations where the seat will remain with the party which had won the seat in the previous polls.
Another component to be used is the winning potential aspect based on past performances.
"The pattern is clear. It is not difficult for us to negotiate (with Barisan) because we know our respective strengths," he said.
Factors such as geography, income level and local industries will also be taken into account.
He said PKR's partners in Pakatan Harapan would attend the special congress on Saturday (March 18).
Asked if Umno leaders will attend the congress, Saifuddin said the party is having its elections on the same day.
This will also be the first PKR congress after Anwar became Prime Minister.
