Golkar's grass roots place their trust in Wiranto<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Gen. (ret) Wiranto's upset win of the Golkar's presidential
\ncandidacy at the party's convention on Wednesday morning was a
\nclear sign most party members valued strong leadership and
\nstability, analysts said.<\/p>\n
The victory of the former military chief over party leader
\nAkbar Tandjung also reflected a growing sentiment among Golkar
\nregional leaders that Wiranto would be able to bring the party
\nthe July 5 presidential election, they said.<\/p>\n
Daniel Sparringa from the Surabaya-based Airlangga University
\nsaid grassroots pragmatism had helped assure Wiranto's victory.<\/p>\n
\"Golkar's regental branches and provincial chapters think the
\ncountry needs a strong leader. This idea is also reflected in the
\nnomination of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, an ex-military figure, by
\nthe Democratic Party,\" he told The Jakarta Post here.<\/p>\n
Wiranto soundly beat Akbar, winning 315 votes to Akbar's total
\nof 227. Most of Wiranto's supporters were believed to have been
\nregental and provincial delegates. Four delegates' votes were
\ndeclared invalid and one abstained. Akbar won the support of many
\nprovincial chapters and got 18 votes from the Central Executive
\nBoard (DPP).<\/p>\n
Political scientist Saiful Mujani said Golkar's regional
\nleaders considered Wiranto more marketable than Akbar in a
\npresidential election.<\/p>\n
Many analysts doubted the sincerity of Golkar when it
\nintroduced its plans for a convention last year, which they
\nviewed as a ploy to catapult Akbar into the presidency, Saiful
\nsaid. They were surprised Tuesday night upon learning Akbar had
\nlittle power to control the vote count.<\/p>\n
Analyst Fachry Ali, who is known to be close to Golkar,
\ncredited the party, saying it had introduced a bold new system to
\nselect national leaders.<\/p>\n
Daniel predicted Wiranto's camp would gradually undermine
\nAkbar's grip of power in Golkar. However, an internal conflict in
\nthe party could weaken its chances in the presidential election,
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Separately, Akbar said the Central Executive Board (DPP) would
\nsoon invite Wiranto to talk about his possible running mate.<\/p>\n
Akbar said he believed Wiranto had already approached some
\npolitical figures about being his vice presidential candidate.
\n\"We hope that (politician) will match our criteria, otherwise
\nthere will be problems,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Akbar stressed Wiranto's running mate must be a popular choice
\nand palatable to voters. Golkar's chances in winning the
\npresidency would depend on his deputy's reputation, Akbar said.<\/p>\n
Asked if he would be Wiranto's running mate, Akbar said Golkar
\nwould seek figures from other political parties.<\/p>\n
\"I won't accept the offer to be vice presidential candidate.
\nMy door is closed, so I'll have to open (someone else's),\" he
\nsaid, adding he would focus on his duties as party leader.<\/p>\n
Akbar did not rule out a possible coalition with the Islamic-
\nbased Crescent Star Party (PBB), the Christian-oriented
\nProsperous Peace Party (PDS) or the Muslim-based National
\nAwakening Party (PKB).<\/p>\n
Fachry said Wiranto should forge a coalition with Abdurrahman
\nWahid to win the July 5 presidential election.<\/p>\n
\"Whoever the figure -- be it Alwi Shihab or Solahudin Wahid --
\nas long as he wins Gus Dur's approval, the candidacy will be
\npowerful,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Ade Komaruddin, an Akbar loyalist, said all Golkar members had
\nto respect the result of the convention's vote.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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