DAP election: 93 candidates gunning for 30 central positions

A total of 93 candidates will be contesting for 30 positions in the DAP central executive committee (CEC) during the party's national congress on March 20.

The candidate list was announced by DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke in a press conference today. With him were his deputies, Thomas Su and Khoo Poay Tong (above).

There were 20 positions in CEC previously and the party constitution was amended to add another 10.

According to the list, there are 75 male and 18 female candidates.

Loke said this is the first time the party will reserve 30 percent, or nine central leadership positions, to female candidates.

This was part of the amendment to the constitution to ensure the party will be more gender-inclusive, he added.

“It means that if there are less than nine female candidates elected, the candidate who is in the 31st position will automatically get a place in the central leadership,” Loke said.

The national congress and party election will be held at the IDCC Convention Centre in Shah Alam, a week after Johor election polling day on March 12.

DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke speaking to the press

No comment on sec-gen post

Asked whether he would be contesting for the secretary-general post, Loke declined to comment.

“As the organising secretary, my responsibility is to ensure the congress be held smoothly.

“It will be unfair if I reveal (about my campaign), I will reserve my comment.”

Under the restriction in the party constitution, the current secretary-general will have to step down. - Mkini