Chances are Slim for Dahlan to Become Presidential Contender

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Democrat Party presidential primary’s committee secretary Suaedy Marasabessy said the chances for State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan as the winner of the Democrat primary to be nominated as the presidential candidate on the party’s ticket could be hampered by the Government Regulation No. 18 Year 2013.

Suaedy further said the winner of the convention was indeed unlikely to be proposed as a presidential candidate as the Democrat failed to secure enough vote in the parliamentary elections. “Therefore, a coalition is necessary and there should be a compromise as well. We’ll see,” he said.

The results of the Democrat convention are scheduled to be announced on Friday. Suaedy said Dahlan came as the victor of the convention. According to surveys by three pollsters the party hired, he added, Dahlan’s electability was the highest compared to the other 10 convention participants with 12-16.5 percent.

Suaedy said, however, the odds are against Dahlan to be nominated as a presidential hopeful due to his position as the State-owned Enterprises Minister. Suaedy explained that according to the Government Regulation No. 18 Year 2013 ministerial-level officials were required to tender their resignation to the president no later than seven days prior to being registered as a presidential candidate by political parties at the General Elections Commission (KPU).

The deadline for the presidential registration has been set on May 20, 2014, so the resignation must be submitted no later than May 13, 2014.

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