Amien eyes presidency in 2004 elections

Amien eyes presidency in 2004 elections

Antara, Garut, West Java

National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais said on
Saturday that he still had a shot at the presidency as long as
his party could secure just 7 percent of the vote in the 2004
general election.

"The opportunity is still there for me even if PAN only
secures 7 or 8 percent of the vote. But the ticket (for the
presidency) will be a tough one," Amien, who is also speaker of
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), said while leading
prayers for PAN members at the Garut town square.

"It would be easier for me to run for president if PAN secured
at least 15 percent of the vote in the 2004 general election," he
added.

He, therefore, asked all PAN members and supporters to strive
to win the 2004 elections or at least secure 15 percent of the
vote.

Amien has repeatedly voiced his interest in becoming
president.

The MPR speaker also aired his support for a direct
presidential election in 2004.

"It would be much better if the next president was elected
directly by the people," he said.

He said that with a direct presidential election, each
candidate would have to relinquish his or her party leadership
and present his or her vision to the public.