In line with its consensus-based culture, Gerakan has managed to persuade most of the challengers for party posts to withdraw from contesting. A handful, however, will put up a fight at the triennial polls this week.

The Gerakan Pemuda and Wanita elections will be held on Friday, followed by the party's 31st national delegates conference and the central body polls on Saturday.

The spotlight is on party veteran Siew Kok Kan, 60, who announced last week that he would vie against incumbent Kerk Choo Ting for the deputy presidency.

Wanita deputy chairperson Rhina Bhar will challenge Kee Phaik Cheen, the chief of 17 years; while Kek Guan Chuan will take on Mah Siew Keong to head the Youth wing.

However, 10 of the 28 candidates in the running for the 18 central committee posts are expected to opt out soon. In the Youth central committee, three candidates have withdrawn, enabling the remaining 12 to win unopposed.

Contenders for the 12 posts in the Gerakan Wanita central committee are down to 15 from the original 19.