OF PKR’s 840,000 members, not more than 20% voted in the just-concluded party polls – a figure far smaller than what the central election committee (JPP) had predicted.

Incumbent deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali said more than 150,000 members voted in the elections, which began in late September and were held in stages by state, concluding last weekend.

“More than 150,000 members voted in our election system that was very democratic,” he told a press conference after officiating at the 13th annual congress of the Youth and Wanita wings in Shah Alam tonight.

The percentage is higher than the 12% that voted in the party’s 2014 elections, but much lower than the 40% that JPP had aimed for.

The surge in party membership, with 300,000 joining soon after the 14th general election, had led to the expectation that turnout would be higher in this year’s polls.

PKR used e-voting for the first time, and unlike other political parties, allowed direct voting by each member.

However, the polls process was riddled with problems from the start – weak internet connection in some areas, allegations of sabotage and hacking, missing or unregistered votes, long queues, and scuffles breaking out when polling stations closed before some members could cast their e-ballots.

Azmin, who faced off with Rafizi Ramli in the battle for the No. 2 post, acknowledged the e-voting system’s weaknesses and calls for the issues to be rectified.

“With a new system, there is bound to be weaknesses, but I still thank JPP, which did their best in carrying out their duties.

“We should take note of members’ views that the system needs to be improved for the future.”

The results of the elections will be officially announced at this weekend’s party congress. Sources have said Azmin is expected to retain his post, with a 2,700-vote majority over Rafizi.

The only post uncontested was the president’s, and Anwar Ibrahim will be confirmed as PKR’s new leader at the congress. – November 15, 2018.