Yusril Gathers Ideas on Gatot Nurmantyo as Presidential Candidate
10 April 2018 11:14 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairman of Moon and Star Party (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra gathered the suggestion conveyed by a volunteer group Relawan Selendang Putih Nusantara (RSPN) that support former National Army Chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo to run in 2019 Presidential Election.
“Yes, it is [their] rights. Up to today, we consider people's aspirations on the election of the president and vice president, we hear them,” said Yusril when met at the party’s office in Jakarta, Monday, April 9.
Read: Former TNI Commander Gatot Nurmantyo: I`m Not a Political Whore
Yusril admitted he was not disturbed by the recommendation since he gave the freedom to any volunteers supporting their candidate. “So that, our democracy will be developed,” he said.
Earlier, RSPN General Secretary Sumiarsi came to PBB office as to persuade the party supporting Gatot Nurmantyo. “We got a positive response at the meeting, this is a surplus value for our next effort in supporting a leader whom the society expects,” said Sumiarsi.
Yusril believed he would decide the best for his party and hoped other parties would carry out the right presidential and vice presidential candidate.
Read: Tempo News: Former TNI Chief Gatot Nurmantyo Runs for President
However, the 1945 Constitution stipulated that political party and its coalition have the rights to decide the candidate. Therefore, the rule did not open the chance for an independent candidate, he said.
According to Yusril, the society may choose their preferred candidate, but it is the party that will take the candidate to the election.
MUHAMMAD HENDARTYO