Kelantan Umno has denied that it is making use of the Election Commission (EC) for its election dry run in the state which started on Sept 16 and will be completed at the end of the month.

Its chairperson Mustapa Mohamed said the dry run was being held to test the efficiency of the party's machinery in facing the next general election which could be called at any time soon.

"It has nothing to do with the EC which is an independent body to handle elections," he told reporters after attending an Aidifitri gathering involving teachers in Kota Baharu today.

Mustapa, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said this in response to allegations by PAS assistant secretary-general takiyuddin Hassan in Machang on Friday that Umno was making use of the EC in conducting the dry run.

He added that the accusation was a feeble attempt to tarnish the image of Umno and the EC.

- Bernama