[4] A proposal by the Election Commission to increase the number of state seats from 71 to 82 was challenged in the High Court and nullified.

The Sarawak state government was alleged to have abused their power, by banning several opposition MPs and members from entering the state during campaigning, as under Section 67 of the Immigration Act, a person cannot be denied entry into Sarawak if the visit was "for the sole purpose of engaging in legitimate political activity".

[11][12] Opposition leaders like Lim Guan Eng and Azmin Ali were allowed into the state on a temporary basis to campaign during the election period but were told to leave after five days.

[13] Both Barisan Nasional and the opposition engaged in online Youtube videos platforms to reach out to voters.

Barisan emphasized on voting on local parties to ensure the rights of the Sarawakians are preserved from cultural influence from Peninsular Malaysia while providing a vision of better living in urban centres.

[18] Due to disagreements in contesting several seats between both DAP and PKR, both parties would be facing each other and Barisan in 6 multi-cornered fights in Batu Kitang, Mulu, Murum, Simanggang, Ngemah and Mambong.

To be the Chief Minister, Adenan sworn in before the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at 10.00 p.m. Malaysia Standard Time on 7 May 2016 at The Astana, Sarawak.