MIC polls attracts an overwhelming number of candidates

Kuala Lumpur, July 14 (ANI): The Malaysian Indian Congress polls are shaping up to be one of the most intense elections held, as the number of candidates contending for various posts has surpassed the number of contestants in previous years.

According to party sources, the September contest for the 23-seat central working committee is expected to attract an overwhelming number of candidates.

"It will see more than 100 people contesting this time around," said a senior party member," The News Straits Times quoted a senior party, as saying.

It is predicted by party leaders that around 50 contestants would be from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

An MIC observer highlighted that there could be two reasons for the increased number of candidates, one was that the party was still significant and thus attracting more contestants.

"On the other hand, it can also be read that the party leadership is losing its ability to rein in members," he added.

The three vice-presidents' post is also likely to see a major increase from the current number of 13 candidates.

Last time around, in the 2006 elections, 63 candidates had contested for 27 posts at different levels. And 52 candidates, including six women, had contended for the Congress Working Committee seats. (ANI)