KUALA LUMPUR: 15 women are among 70 candidates vying for the 30 central executive committee (CEC) positions in DAP polls to be held on 16 March.

The DAP national congress, attended by 4,203 delegates from 1,650 branches, will take place at Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam.

DAP party constitution has allocated a gender quota of 30 per cent, or nine seats, for female candidates to ensure female representation in the CEC.

In other words, even if male candidates make it to the top 30, they may still be dropped due to the gender quota.

The 15 female candidates are: Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, former Batu Kawan Member of Parliament P. Kasthuri, Sungai Puyu state assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Bandar Hilir state assemblyman Leng Chau Yen, Johor Jaya state assemblyman Liow Cai Tong, Negeri Sembilan state exco Nicole Tan, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin and former state assemblyman Tiew Way Keng.

Another highlight of the congress is whether DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng will be one of the 30 CECs elected.

The DAP Malaysia website states that the CEC is the highest decision-making body, leading the party by setting directions and constructing its policies.

The CEC consists of 30 members democratically elected by branch delegates during the party national congress, who are empowered to co-opt 10 additional members.

CEC members will elect office bearers of the party, headed by the secretary-general.

The CEC enforces the constitution of the party to promote its aims and to take any action it deems necessary for such purpose.