TEMPO.CO, Padang - National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Hatta Radjasa expressed his concern that the party would not be able to garner 20 percent of votes in the upcoming 2014 Legislative General Election. "It will be difficult for all parties to get that (20 percent of votes), so coalition is needed," Hatta said after attending the opening of the national commemoration of World Food Day in Padang, West Sumatra, last Thursday.
Hatta admitted he had tried to approach several parties for coalition but refused to mention names. He said the party appointed him to participate in the contest for the Presidential and Vice Presidential nomination for the period of 2014-2019. "I’m ready to carry out the mandate," he said.
In the meantime, PAN Advisory Council Head Amien Rais said it is unlikely for his party to nominate a presidential candidate for the period of 2014-2019 since he was concern the party could not win 20 percent of votes during the upcoming election. "It’s hard to nominate a Presidential candidate. It’s difficult to imagine winning 20 percent of votes," he said in Padang on Wednesday, Oct 23.
Amien further said Hatta remains the primary presidential candidate from the party for the upcoming election although it seems difficult. However, the party still has a big chance to nominate a vice president candidate, according to Amien.
ANDRI EL FARUQI
