Amien eyes presidency in 2004 elections<\/p>\n
Antara, Garut, West Java<\/p>\n
National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais said on
\nSaturday that he still had a shot at the presidency as long as
\nhis party could secure just 7 percent of the vote in the 2004
\ngeneral election.<\/p>\n
\"The opportunity is still there for me even if PAN only
\nsecures 7 or 8 percent of the vote. But the ticket (for the
\npresidency) will be a tough one,\" Amien, who is also speaker of
\nthe People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), said while leading
\nprayers for PAN members at the Garut town square.<\/p>\n
\"It would be easier for me to run for president if PAN secured
\nat least 15 percent of the vote in the 2004 general election,\" he
\nadded.<\/p>\n
He, therefore, asked all PAN members and supporters to strive
\nto win the 2004 elections or at least secure 15 percent of the
\nvote.<\/p>\n
Amien has repeatedly voiced his interest in becoming
\npresident.<\/p>\n
The MPR speaker also aired his support for a direct
\npresidential election in 2004.<\/p>\n
\"It would be much better if the next president was elected
\ndirectly by the people,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said that with a direct presidential election, each
\ncandidate would have to relinquish his or her party leadership
\nand present his or her vision to the public.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/amien-eyes-presidency-in-2004-elections-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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