KUCHING, Nov 10 — Incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has won the backing of 13 of the 17 PKR branches that have completed voting on the first day of the party’s polls in Sarawak.

The economic affairs minister secured 2,472 votes today while challenger Rafizi Ramli obtained 1,092 votes.

Azmin won the support of Mas Gading, Batang Lupar, Bandar Kuching, Kota Samarahan,  Batang Sadong, Betong, Lubok Antu,  Saratok, Lanang, Selangau, Hulu Rajang, Lawas and Baram while Rafizi claimed victory in Serian, Kapit, Sibuti and Miri. ]

Remaining branches including Julau, Puncak Borneo, Stampin, Petrajaya, Santubong, Sri Aman, Sarikei and Sibu will vote tomorrow.

Four candidates aligned with Azmin vying for the four vice-presidential spots also secured the most votes from the 17 the branches which completed their polling.

They are Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Chua Tian Chang, Zuraida Kamaruddin and Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin.

Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is aligned to Rafizi, is fifth.

The other candidates for the vice presidents include William Leong Jee Keen, Kesavan Subramaniam, Vasantha Kumar Krishnan and Azan Ismail.