BAGAN DATUK: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Umno election today was an "exciting show of democracy" due to the large number of members who are contesting.
The Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman said even though Umno was facing accusations and challenges, many members were contesting in the party election, including well-known faces.
He said 160,000 delegates chose 95 candidates to contest 25 supreme council seats, eight candidates to contest three vice-president's posts, 10 candidates to contest the permanent deputy chairman's post and two candidates to contest the permanent chairman's post.
"Democracy in Umno is still exciting even though some say the party is in decline.
"Many are eager to compete.
"Umno's democratic process is very transparent. Becoming a candidate involves registering and meeting conditions."
Zahid said this during a press conference after attending the Bagan Datuk Umno division meeting at the Bagan Datuk Umno Complex here today.
He said he hoped the election results for all 191 divisions would ensure the success of Umno Bangkit 2.0.
He said the new leadership at national and divisional levels would work together to prepare the party for state and general elections.
"I hope the best candidates are chosen. Differing opinions are welcome, but we cannot afford to have different stands when the party makes important decisions."
On his daughter Datuk Nurulhidayah's defeat in the contest for the Bagan Datuk Wanita Umno chief post, Zahid said the result showed he did not interfere in the party election.
"I took measures to ensure the top leadership does not interfere in the election. We must elect the best candidate, even if the race includes your child."
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