The prime minister has called for a press conference at his office at 12.30pm today where he is expected to announce the dissolution of the Parliament.

Only yesterday Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had dismissed speculations that he would be dissolving the Parliament today.

abdullah ahmad badawi pak lah and election annoucement parliament disolve"No, not tomorrow," he told reporters yesterday evening.

However, his office called a press conference this morning, instantly raising expectations of an announcement.

Election fever has picked up tremendous momentum since the turn of the year, with many political observers and politicians speculating that the nation’s 12th general election would be held before the end of March.

Political analysts and the media have been predicting that Parliament will be dissolved today (Feb 13) because 13 is the prime minister's favourite number.

[Full report to follow]