In a groundbreaking move for Malaysian politics, the People’s Justice Party (PKR) has become the first political organization in the country to incorporate blockchain technology into its internal electoral process. The initiative, which will involve over 296,000 eligible party members, marks a significant step toward embracing digital innovation to enhance electoral transparency and security.
The Party Election Committee, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, has announced that the upcoming elections will adopt blockchain-based systems to secure the integrity and authenticity of online votes. Dr. Zaliha, who also serves as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories and is a Member of Parliament for Sekijang, emphasized that the new digital process is aimed at reinforcing the credibility of election data and protecting it from potential manipulation.
Dual Verification to Safeguard Voting Integrity
To participate in the online voting process, members will be required to verify their identity through a two-step process involving a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered phone number, in addition to facial recognition technology. For those choosing to vote in person, biometric fingerprint verification alongside a MyKad identity check will be mandatory.
Dr. Zaliha noted that this full integration of technology into the internal democratic process sets a precedent in Malaysia’s political landscape, establishing PKR as the first party to utilize digital tools comprehensively in internal elections.
Hybrid Voting System via ADIL App
Voting will be conducted between April 11 and April 20, with participants given the option to vote either physically or online using the party’s official ADIL mobile application. Of the total registered voters, only around 8,040 members—equating to approximately 2.7 percent—have opted for physical voting, while the vast majority have chosen to cast their ballots digitally.
Voting will take place daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and results will be released on the same day for each electoral division. To manage the logistics of in-person polling stations, the party has enlisted a professional event management company, ensuring smooth and secure physical voting operations.
Thousands Contesting in a Competitive Election
The internal election will see 16,878 candidates vying for positions across 222 divisions, with 31 divisions witnessing uncontested races. Campaigning is scheduled to conclude at 11:59 p.m. on April 19, and all election-related promotions are strictly prohibited on polling day.
Dr. Zaliha expressed the committee’s appreciation for the professional and respectful manner in which candidates and supporters have conducted their campaigns. She called upon all eligible members to take part in the voting process with a strong sense of responsibility, democratic values, and personal integrity.
A Technological Milestone in Malaysian Democracy
By introducing blockchain as the backbone of its election system, PKR is not only modernizing its internal operations but also setting a new benchmark for political transparency and digital governance in Malaysia. The move is expected to inspire further adoption of secure and verifiable digital systems across other political entities in the region. As the voting period begins, PKR’s use of blockchain technology is being closely observed as a potential model for future democratic practices in Southeast Asia.