Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) has announced the implementation of blockchain technology for its internal elections, becoming the first political organization in the country to adopt such a system. The initiative will enable over 296,000 party members to participate in a secure and transparent voting process, setting a new benchmark for electoral integrity in Southeast Asia.
The party has launched a hybrid voting model via its ADIL mobile application, with 97.3 percent of members registered for digital voting. These online voters will complete a two-step verification process using a one-time password (OTP) and facial recognition. Voters opting for in-person ballots—approximately 2.7 percent or 8,040 members—will verify their identities through biometric fingerprint scans and MyKad checks at designated polling stations. All voters are first verified using an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system to ensure eligibility, and each digital voter receives a unique encrypted ID, which prevents duplicate or tampered votes within the blockchain system.
The voting period will run from April 11 to April 20, 2025, with ballots accepted daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This election cycle will determine representatives for 222 party divisions, featuring a total of 16,878 candidates. Only 31 divisions are uncontested. Elected officials will serve three-year terms until 2028. PKR has also scheduled national-level elections for May 24, with nomination days set for May 3–4.
To ensure orderly conduct, PKR has implemented strict campaigning guidelines. Campaign activities must cease by 11:59 p.m. on April 19, and all election-related promotions are prohibited on polling days. Results will be released division by division on the same day voting concludes in each area.
Physical polling operations are being managed by a professional event management firm, which is responsible for logistical oversight and operational efficiency at voting centers. While the initiative has received praise for its technological sophistication and inclusiveness, experts note that blockchain voting systems are not without risks. Potential concerns include technical malfunctions, cybersecurity threats, and the challenge of ensuring accessibility for less tech-savvy voters.
Nevertheless, PKR’s approach represents a milestone in the digitalization of political processes. If successful, it could serve as a model for other political organizations across the region exploring secure, transparent, and scalable electoral systems.
Sources: OpenGovAsia, Cointrust, BlackArrowCyber
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April 10, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
