The 30 elected members will then select the party’s office-bearers for the 2025-2028 term, a crucial period leading up to the 16th general election, expected by November 2027.

Key contenders on the official list announced today include Loke Siew Fook, Nga Kor Ming, Chow Kon Yeow, Steven Sim, siblings Lim Guan Eng and Lim Hui Ying, as well as brothers Ramkarpal Singh and Gobind Singh Deo.

Women candidates include Hannah Yeoh, Kasthuri Patto, Vivian Wong, Teresa Kok, Teo Nie Ching, Yeo Bee Yin and Young Syefura Othman.

Sim, DAP’s national organising secretary, said 4,203 delegates would vote during the national congress at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam, expected to be attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

When asked whether Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be attending, Sim said that, so far, only Pakatan Harapan partners had been invited.

Elaborating more on the CEC elections, he said nominees had received official letters and were urged to stay committed to serving the people.

“It will be conducted and monitored by an independent third party, just like in previous years,” he told a press conference at the party’s headquarters today.

When asked if any candidates had been rejected, Sim said some had voluntarily withdrawn.

“As long as they have nominations from two branches, they will be allowed to contest,” he added.

As previously reported, four party veterans have withdrawn from the race — Tan Kok Wai, Fong Kui Lun, M Kula Segaran and Phee Boon Poh.