Other than the question of which factions come out on top in the PKR party elections over this next one month, observers will also be keen to see whether the 30 percent target the party has set for its women members to fill decision-making positions in the party will be filled.

pkr weekly pc 120707 latheefa This follows efforts by its activists to mainstream women’s participation within the party, the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat as well as in other fields of activity. 

Earlier this year, calls were made for PKR to emulate Indonesia 's target of 50 percent women participation for all sectors.

In a statement, PKR information chief Latheefa Koya ( left ) said the ongoing process within PKR to mainstream women’s participation has seen several young women heading divisions within the party.

“The party’s constitution allows any women member to standfor election at any level including the youth wing, women’s wing and at thecentral level.

“This is a stark contrast with the limited opportunities for women at other parties as most would be limited to the women’s wing,” she said.           

Latheefa also cited the examples of “young, upcoming” women leaders who have offered their candidacy for nomination in the party elections, which kicked off yesterday along with division-level elections, in Kedah, Kelantan and Perak.

nurul izzah interview 090910 Among them are Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (vying for the chair of the Lembah Pantai division), Ginie Lim (Youth central committee exco) and Sangetha Xavier (Youth vice-chief).

Other PKR women activists who have offered themselves for nomination are Serikandi head Siti Aishah (vying for central committee), Serikandi members Maisuri Zainal (Youth exco) and Juwairiya Zulkifli (Wanita central committee), lawyers Eunice Ong (Youth vice-chief), Zara Zahari (Youth exco), Renuka T Bala (Wanita central committee), Ngeow Chow Ying (Seputeh division chair), Erveanna Ansari (Youth vice-chief, Sepanggar chair), Youth exco member Zara Zahari (Youth exco), Fione Tan (Youth exco), Youth leader Hamiza Che Ahmat (Deputy-chief of PKR Wanita’s Batu Kawan division wing) and Hulu Selangor councillor Yee Ling (Wanita central committee).

“The party strongly supports these young women's participation and they should not be seen as mere token women representatives to make the numbers.

azlan "Many have shown commitment to theparty and its struggles, are fully qualified, independent and capable young leaders,” said Latheefa.

After the 200 divisional meetings, nominations for the central leadership positions will officially close on Oct 10.

The list of candidates will be finalised and displayed on Oct 24.

The casting of ballots for the national leadership will be carried out at the divisional levels and will be held on weekends, between Oct 29 and Nov 21.

About 400,000 members will be entitled to vote in the elections.

Voting in Selangor, Sabah, Penang, Perak and the Federal Territories will attract the most attention as theses states hold the bulk of the party's membership.

Selangor has the most number of members followed by Sabah, Penang and Perak.