Former youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman said that as a party that pushes for “reformasi” as its core struggle, democracy in the party’s election process must be upheld fairly at all levels.

“Upholding democracy means providing space for all members to vote and be voted for,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, it was reported that the top two posts are not expected to be contested to ensure Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and economy minister Rafizi Ramli retain their posts as president and deputy president, respectively.

Anwar’s political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, said discussions were under way to leave the top two posts uncontested.

Asked if the proposed no-contest rule for the top two posts might violate the party’s democratic principles, he said negotiations were part of democracy.

Syed Badli said, however, that Anwar needed a more dynamic leadership team within PKR to strengthen the party and ensure it remains relevant in the political landscape.

He said the party elections serve as a means to evaluate the performance of PKR’s leaders.

“If a leader is seen as competent and effective, the grassroots will naturally choose to retain them, and vice versa.

“Therefore, no leader should fear the election process, whether as a candidate or a voter. Democracy is loud; silence only signals a reluctance to embrace change,” he said.