The Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Kelantan in 1977 was Mohamed Nasir of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).

Consequently, Mohamed Nasir's supporters organised a protest in the streets of Kota Bharu, which escalated into mass violence and looting.

Although being part of the Barisan Nasional coalition, 12 out of 14 PAS members of Parliament opposed the passing of the Act.

[2] During the emergency, Mohamed Nasir retained the post of Menteri Besar but with limited powers, as ultimate executive authority was vested in the Director of the Federal Administration for Kelantan, appointed by the Prime Minister under the Emergency Powers (Kelantan) Act 1977.

The election was contested by PAS, UMNO, and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Front (BERJASA), a new party formed by Mohamed Nasir.