Hamzah bid a ploy to block Amien: PKB

SURAKARTA, Central Java: The deputy chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Mahfud M.D., shared on Thursday an analysis of incumbent Vice President Hamzah Haz's bid for the presidency.

During a seminar in Surakarta, he said United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah was running for president not because he sought the presidency; instead, the move was intentionally aimed at blocking Amien Rais' chances.

"If Hamzah runs for president, it will divide Muslim votes between him and Amien, who will get less votes, and open the way for Megawati to make it to the runoff," said Mahfud.

During the September runoff, he added, Hamzah would mobilize his supporters to vote for Megawati. -- Antara