Problems galore in PKR leadership election

The PKR leadership election which kicked off just three days ago appears to have hit the fan, with reports of alleged flaws and misconduct popping up across several states.

In Negeri Sembilan, several members of the Rembau PKR division reportedly claimed that the online voting system allowed new party members to vote despite them not being eligible to do so.

According to the election rules, only those who have been registered as members by Jan 31 this year are allowed to take part in the polls.

However, D Vaanmanthi, 28, a PKR member, told the media today that her brother who only registered to join the party last month was able to cast his vote.

"I registered as a party member on March 17 and was not allowed to vote, but how come my brother can?

"I do not understand the system. To me it is unfair and questionable," she was quoted as saying by Malay daily Sinar Harian.

In Penang and Perlis, tense situations occurred at two voting stations due to pondok panas (campaign booths) allegedly being erected closer than they were supposed to.

One of the division chief candidates in Kangar raised the issue, reported Berita Harian.

Gan Ay Ling, who is the incumbent Kangar PKR division deputy chief, claimed that the booths belonging to two other candidates - Noor Amin Ahmad and Amar Amran - were located less than 200m from the station, which is the minimum distance required by PKR election committee.

"Although the election process went on well, the presence of pondok panas less than 200m as required by the election committee has marred the situation.

"It is against the rule set by the committee, which requires the pondok panas to be over 200m away," she told the Malay daily.

Gan also alleged that cai (list of candidates) held by voters were snatched from them before being given a new set of lists for them to choose from.

Easier for voters

Gan’s grouse was however dismissed by Amin, who is the incumbent division chief. He claimed that there was no issue with the campaign booths.

"On the cai, it is given to voters to make it easier for them to choose. (But) the decision is still in their hands no matter how many lists they have," he reportedly said.

Amar, meanwhile, defended the placement of campaign booths close to the polling station, saying that it makes things easier for voters to get information before going to vote.

In Bayan Baru, a commotion reportedly occurred due to provocation between rivalling groups who were there to woo voters to support their candidates.

Sinar Harian reported that election workers also allegedly failed to follow rules.

"There were party workers who belonged to one of the groups that were wooing voters, so it was unfair. They were not following the rules stating that no campaign worker is allowed within 200m from the polling station," claimed a party member.

Yesterday, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, who is contesting the party deputy president post, also raised various weaknesses in the electoral system.

They include the claim that people were able to vote multiple times on behalf of others. - Mkini