INCUMBENT PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali has increased his lead over challenger Rafizi Ramli after four more states – Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Perlis and Selangor – voted in the party election over the weekend.

The economic affairs minister now leads party vice-president Rafizi by 1,287 votes.

To date, Azmin has garnered 37,575 votes while Rafizi has 36,288 votes.

The former Selangor menteri besar increased his lead after four of the seven divisions in Selangor that voted today backed him in phase two of the state’s party ballot.

Azmin received 4,978 votes while Rafizi got 4,385 votes.

He bested his rival in Gombak, Petaling Jaya Utara, Petaling Jaya Selatan and Kuala Langat while Rafizi won in Puchong, Klang and Selayang.

The remaining six divisions – Tanjong Karang, Kuala Selangor, Ampang, Pandan, Shah Alam and Hulu Langat – will hold the election next Sunday.

However, Rafizi took Perlis where he beat Azmin by 66 votes.

Rafizi received 400 votes while Azmin got 334 votes from the Kangar, Arau dan Padang Besar divisions.

The party vice-president also took Negri Sembilan with a 91 vote majority after he polled 3,053 votes while Azmin received 2,962 votes.

Rafizi won the Rembau, Seremban, Rasah, Tampin, and Jelebu divisions, while Azmin picked up Kuala Pilah, Telok Kemang and Jempol.

However, owing to some technical issues the result of the Malacca vote has been held back by the PKR election committee.

Prior to this weekend’s ballot, Rafizi had bested Azmin in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the Federal Territories but lost to the PKR deputy president in Penang, Johor and the nine divisions that voted in Selangor last week.

The party election continues next week with Kedah voting over two days on October 26 and October 27 while Perak will go to the polls on October 27. – October 21, 2018.