Gubernatorial candidates named

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The legislature in East Nusa Tenggara named on Thursday three pairs of candidates for governor and deputy governor for 2003-2008.

The three pairs are Esthon Foenay and Gaspar Parang Ehok of Golkar faction; Piet A. Tallo and Frans Lebu Raya of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction; and Viktor B. Laiskodak and Simon Hayon.

The chairman of the election committee, Mell Adoe, said that the names would be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 9 for approval.

If the candidates are approved by the ministry, the legislative council will hold a plenary session on June 19 to announce the beginning of the election process. -- JP