Parliament has been dissolved in Malaysia to clear the way for snap elections later this month. A spokesman from the Electoral Commission said the dates of the polls will be announced on Friday. The elections, which were announced by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will pit his coalition against Islamic opposition. Correspondents say the opposition can expect a much tougher task this time, after making gains in the 1999 poll. This time, the government will benefit from a much-improved economy. The election is widely expected to be held on 20 and 21 March, at the end of a week of children's holidays, allowing schools to be used as polling stations. In all, 219 parliamentary seats will be contested, with 10 million people eligible to vote. The election comes as the government deals with allegations that a Malaysian company connected with the prime minister's son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, was involved in making nuclear components which were seized on their way to Libya. The government's term was due to expire in November. **PHOTO CAPTION*** President of Malaysia's main opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia, Abdul Hadi Awang, speaks during a news conference at his party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on February 28, 2004. (REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad)