NU Congress to decide leadership with unique election rules for Rais Aam and Chairman

The upcoming 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, scheduled for August 27-31, 2026, in Tambakberas, Jombang, is set to be the pivotal event for selecting the new leadership of the organization's central board (PBNU). This congress is not merely the highest forum for the Islamic organization but also the arena where the future direction of NU's leadership will be decided.

NU's leadership selection process is distinct from many other societal organizations, notably for its separation of the Syuriyah (spiritual leadership) and Tanfidziyah (executive leadership) roles. This structure ensures a dual focus on religious guidance and organizational management.

The election of the Rais Aam, the supreme leader within the Syuriyah, follows a unique procedure. Unlike the Chairman of PBNU, the Rais Aam is not directly elected by all congress participants. Instead, the congress attendees first select nine respected scholars who form the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA). This council of scholars then convenes to deliberate and choose the Rais Aam. This system has been in place since the 33rd NU Congress in Jombang in 2015 and was reaffirmed at the 34th Congress in Lampung in 2021.

Regarding the election of the Chairman of PBNU, two alternative mechanisms are currently under discussion within the organization, according to Rais Syuriyah PBNU KH M Cholil Nafis. The first alternative involves a nomination process where each Regional Branch of NU (PCNU) proposes nine candidates. From these nominations, the nine individuals with the most votes would form the core candidates. Subsequently, the Rais Aam and the AHWA would select one person from these nine to become the Chairman of PBNU.

The second alternative maintains the traditional method, where congress participants from various branches and regions cast their votes for the candidates for Chairman. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes would then be narrowed down, and the final selection would require the approval of the Rais Aam. This ongoing discussion highlights NU's commitment to refining its internal democratic processes while upholding its traditional structures.

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From these nine, one person will be appointed by the Rais Aam and AHWA to become the Chairman.