KUALA LUMPUR – PKR will be looking into the social media reach of their potential candidates in deciding whether they will be fielded as candidates in the upcoming polls.
PKR deputy president and election director Rafizi Ramli said this criterion will carry a 10% weightage as the party finalises its list of contenders ahead of the general election that is predicted to take place early next month.
In a statement today, he said the names of the candidates will be finalised before the Election Commission’s (EC) special meeting next Thursday (October 20) to decide on the nomination and polling dates.
According to Rafizi, the social media presence is meant to gauge the candidates’ communications know-how and skills in disseminating information to the masses.
Candidates’ record in the party, however, will have the biggest bearing on the selection process, making up 30% of the overall weighting criteria.
This includes the person’s seniority in the party as well as whether he is the official candidate proposed by the respective divisions or wings.
Rafizi said the remaining 60% will be divided equally among three other main criteria, which will be taken under the party’s consideration in finalising the candidates.
The first is the individuals’ capability and suitability to be elected representatives – taking into account their educational background, professional qualification, and expertise on certain issues that can add value.
Candidates will also be gauged on their non-political contribution to the public, including volunteer work, expertise in a specific field, and involvement in non-governmental organisations.
Finally, the strength of the candidates’ election machinery and their on-the-ground campaigning performance will also play a role in the decision-making process.
Rafizi said this more transparent, uniform, objective, and democratic selection process was introduced in view of voters’ demand for better-quality candidates.
“Voter’s sentiment over the past two years has shown that election result is no longer dependent solely on the party contesting. Studies have consistently found that a candidate’s credibility contributes 50% to the result,” he said.
According to Rafizi, the shortlist of candidates will be decided collectively by a candidates committee which will be jointly chaired by himself and the other PKR vice-presidents, before the names are submitted to party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be finalised.
“The candidates’ secretariat is currently screening through the list and giving early scoring so that potential candidates can be discussed in tonight's committee meeting.”
Meanwhile, the former Pandan MP said the www.calonkeadlian.org website, which allows aspiring party members to submit their own candidacy, has received 1,673 submissions as of 10am today. – The Vibes, October 12, 2022
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