Golkar names Sultan as gubernatorial candidate

Golkar names Sultan as gubernatorial candidate

The Golkar Party has named Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and Paku Alam
IX of Pakualaman principality as its candidates for the posts of
governor and deputy governor of Yogyakarta, respectively.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, chairman of the
Golkar provincial chapter Sudarno said the decision had been made
during the chapter's recent plenary meeting. The faction also
ordered all members in the provincial legislature to vote for the
candidates in the upcoming May election.

Golkar is the first to announce its gubernatorial and deputy
gubernatorial candidates while the provincial legislature is
still debating the draft election procedures, which acknowledges
the privilege of royal families in the election.

Sudarno said the nomination of the incumbent governor and
deputy governor was based on a recent poll conducted by the
party. Around 90 percent of the respondents surveyed said the
province's special status should be maintained by reelecting the
Sultan and Paku Alam.

"Hopefully, our announcement we will help settle the dispute
on the Yogyakarta's special status," Sudarno said.

Golkar chapter executives had consulted the Sultan and Paku
Alam regarding their nomination. Sudarno reported that the two
leaders said it was the party's right to nominate anyone they saw
fit. -- JP