ELECTIONS in the Lahad Datu and Johor Baru Umno divisions are facing problems, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

“The votes may have to be recounted,” he said at the Umno headquarters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur last night.

Zahid said if there were any problems in the election process, then there would be a re-election.

“If there are issues, we’ll hold a re-election,” he said.

Zahid said divisions that are having issues will be brought up with the election committee.

The deputy prime minister said some of the issues raised during the election process could be resolved by the committee led by Shahrir Abdul Samad.

“We have met the complainants, and most of the parties have resolved their issues. Some have accepted the decision made by the representatives,” he said.

The Umno elections for the 2023-2026 term involved more than 160,000 representatives from 189 divisions.

The Johor Baru division polls were suspended at about 10 last night by division chairman Azmi Samin, after allegations of ballot papers exceeding the number of delegates present.

As for the Lahad Datu division, there was a commotion after several supporters of the competing candidates raised their grouses.

According to reports, a fight broke out at Dewan Sri Perdana, which was allegedly caused by a provocation of supporters of the election candidates.

Lahad Datu district police chief Rohan Shah Ahmad confirmed the incident. – March 19, 2023.