BENTONG, Sept 30- UMNO is confident that the polling method developed for its 2013 election will ensure its smooth flow and transparency, said UMNO Executive Secretary Datuk Ab Rauf Yusuf.
“We are confident that the simulation carried out today will assure UMNO’s Election Committee (JPU) and the party that we can meet the target (of conducting a hitch-free election).
“UMNO’s headquarters and JPU are ready to hold the biggest election in UMNO’s history,” he told a news conference after the end of the three-day 2013 UMNO Election Simulation at the UMNO Training Centre (ILMU) in Janda Baik, in Bentong.
UMNO will use a new system, a first for the Barisan Nasional (BN), whereby 146,000 delegates will be selecting their line up of top party leaders unlike when some 2,500 delegates determined the outcome.
Elections for the party’s Youth, Wanita and Puteri movements at the division and central level will take place on Oct 12, while polls for the divisions and the Supreme Council will be on Oct 19.
On the election results, Ab Rauf said it is expected to be known within 24 to 48 hours based on factors such as number of delegates, logistics and polling locations.
“In yesterday’s simulation, for example, we needed four to five hours based on 600 delegates voting for Supreme Council posts. Therefore, we need a longer time if there is a higher number of delegates.
“We hope to get it done by later that night,” he said.
Meanwhile, JPU chairman Tan Sri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said he was satisfied with the simulation.
“It looks like a success and only needs a bit of improvement and adaptation for the difference in delegates at each division.
“I am happy and impressed by the spirit shown by 1,400 participants involved in the simulation, whereby hundreds of people volunteered to help the Disciplinary Board monitor any elements which may violate election ethics,” he said.
Tajol Rosli said he hoped the campaign process this time will be orderly and that those involved will act accordingly to preserve the party’s good name.
He said the media was encouraged to print the full list of candidates contesting after it is finalised on Oct 7 for information of the public and party delegates.
-BERNAMA
