Incumbent Pair's Campaign Team Claim Support from Basofi

Surabaya (Antara) - The incumbent Soekarwo-Saifullah Yusuf (Karsa) pair's campaign team claim to have the support of former East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial elections. "Mr. Basofi has already expressed his support to Karsa, which has boosted our morale and optimism," said Martono, an official from the Karsa campaign team, here on Friday. Sudirman's support for the pair was indicated by his presence at the gubernatorial debate in Gramedia Expo Surabaya on Wednesday, which was broadcasted live on Metro TV. Sudirman, accompanied by his wife, was seen sitting in the front row of Karsa supporters at the event. The Governor of East Java during 1993-98 did not hesitate to raise his index finger as a sign of support for the No. 1 ticket's candidate. "Everyone saw his enthusiastic support for Karsa. This was inspirational and proved that a number of East Java's respected figures supported Karsa," Martono said, noting that Karsa was supported by not only Sudirman, but also another former Governor, Imam Utomo, who had already contacted Karsa's campaign team to express supports. "Mr. Utomo is scheduled to attend and show his support for the pair more directly at the next gubernatorial candidates' debate session, which will be broadcast live on Kompas TV. Of course, that will be another morale booster," Martono added. However, after the last such debate was held, Sudirman declined to comment on his support for the incumbent candidate. "There is no need to make a statement. The only thing certain is that I have come here," the retired military official said. The East Java gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on August 29, and the provincial government has declared the date as a holiday. Four pairs of candidate will compete in the elections: No. 1 ticket's Karsa, No. 2 ticket's Eggi Sudjana-Muhammad Sihat (Beres), No. 3 ticket's Bambang Dwi Hartono-Said Abdullah (Bambang-Said), and No. 4 ticket's Khofifah Indar Parawansa-Herman S Sumawiredja (Berkah). (*)