How the PBNU Chairperson Will Be Elected via the AHWA Mechanism
Asrorun Niam, leader of the Organisational Materials Team for the 3lah Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama, stated that the election of the PBNU Chairperson will be conducted through the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) system. This was agreed upon during the third Plenary Session of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar in Jombang, East Java.
“The decision of the NU Muktamar is that the mechanism for electing the PBNU Chairperson will be carried out by the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi after five names are screened by the Muktamar participants,” Asrorun Niam told reporters on Sunday (30/08/2026).
Niam noted that 401 votes from Muktamar participants requested a change in the Chairperson election system to the AHWA model. Previously, the PBNU Chairperson was elected using a ‘one man, one vote’ system.
“The decision was discussed by the Organisational Commission, followed by a vote on whether to use a direct model or the AHWA model. The majority of participants, totaling 401 votes, requested the change,” he explained.
Under the new arrangement, the Chairperson will initially be elected directly by Muktamar participants through deliberation to reach a consensus (musyawarah mufakat). If a consensus cannot be reached, the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) will make the final decision.
The mechanism is outlined as follows in Article 41:
- The Chairperson shall be elected according to the following provisions:
The Chairperson is elected directly by Muktamar participants through deliberation to reach a consensus.
In the event that a consensus as referred to in point (1) is not achieved, the Chairperson shall be elected by the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi.
Candidates for Chairperson as referred to in point (2) shall be screened through a vote by Muktamar participants, selecting a maximum of five qualified candidates.
The results of the election as referred to in point (3) will result in the top five candidates being selected to become candidates for Chairperson and handed over to the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi.
The candidates for Chairperson as referred to in point (4) shall be selected by the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi after they have expressed their willingness verbally or in writing and have obtained written approval from the elected Rais Aam.