PPP to Announce its Presidential Candidate after National Congress

Semarang, C Java (Antara) - The Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP) plans to announce its presidential candidate at the end of its national working congress held between February 7 and 8, in Bandung, West Java, stated Party Chairman Suryadharma Ali. "The party's presidential candidate will be announced on February 9, 2014, after the national working congress concludes," he noted here on Monday. The meeting will mainly discuss the party's presidential candidate and preparations for the upcoming 2014 general elections due on April 9. Suryadharma Ali, who is also the Minister of Religious Affairs, remarked that he was unaware if he will be nominated for the presidency after the meeting. "In principle, I have no idea about it. But almost every day, some people, including ulemas and social figures, advise me to run for presidency," he claimed. When questioned about some people's wishes to nominate him for the presidency, he humbly stated that it is up to Allah to decide. Meanwhile, on Monday, PPP Secretary General Romahurmuziy noted in Jakarta that the meeting will not automatically elect Suryadharma Ali as the party's presidential candidate. "SDA (Suryadharma Ali) is the only figure to become PPP's presidential candidate. But, the party's regional executive boards are very dynamic," he added. PPP Deputy Chairman Hazrul Azwar was optimistic that Suryadharma will be declared as the party's presidential candidate after the meeting. (*)