The stunning win by Mohd Isa Samad for the Umno vice-presidential election reminds me of our Barisan Nasional's stunning win at the last general election. While BN's win was expected, their big margin was too big to be believable.

The government (read: BN) vehemently declared the election to be clean and just. It's easier since the opposition has no voice and no meaningful channel to complain.

Similarly, Isa's win was unbelievable for he was not expected to win but garnered highest number of votes, ousting other more credible candidates. It would be interesting to see how Umno now reacts to this.

To deny any foul play will be wrong and put the credibility of future elections in jeopardy. To admit unfair practises will also not be possible as almost everyone is involved, and will portray Umno as not credible (for the umpteenth time).

Deny it as they wish, the similarity of the two elections is startling. If they can cheat at their own elections, the general election is even more reason to cheat. Any which way you look, it will points to corruption of a mega scale, with no hope of remedy. They are in too deep a rut.