PKR leaders are mulling whether or not to postpone their party election, which is due in November this year.

They are weighing both options and will only reach a decision after the party congress on Saturday, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution told a press conference today.

"The recent general election was like a major battle, which took time, energy, and money. Some believe that the party needs to reconsolidate and rebuild its strength.

"However, if the leadership feels there would be no impact from the recent battle, or that it would even boost the party spirit, then the election will be carried out when due," Saifuddin said.

pkr congress 2011 261111 stage The PKR leadership elections are held every three years and the last was held in November 2010. The party constitution allows for postponements.

If the decision is to hold the election this year, he said, a special congress may be called to make amendments to the party constitution to allow divisional committees and the central leadership committee members to be elected simultaneously.

'Separate elections a waste of recources'

Till now, Saifuddin said, members of the two bodies are elected separately, a practice that members complained was a waste of resources.

The member, he said, wanted the party elections to be just like the general election, where parliamentary and state elections are held on the same day.

“These are among the suggestions being discussed by the party, and if deemed necessary, then the party constitution has to be amended for the elections (to be held togerther),” he said.

Saturday’s PKR congress will be held at the Petaling Jaya Civic Hall, with the party’s Youth and Women’s wings hold their congress at the same venue a day earlier, on Friday.

This congress was supposed to be held in November last year, but was postponed to enable the party to focus on preparations for GE13.

Some 2,500 delegates, observers and guests are expected to attend, Saifuddin said.