New governor elected today

New governor elected today

JAKARTA (JP): The City Council will today select Jakarta's
next governor from the three nominees who have received President
Soeharto's approval.

Councilor Achmad Suaidy, chairman of the United Development
Party (PPP) faction, said yesterday that the nominees were not
invited to the voting process because their presence may affect
voters.

"We want to have a clear, fair and smooth election," Achmad
said.

The council does not want nominees to feel disappointed if
they do not win the election, he said.

"Imagine how they would feel if, for instance, one of them
lost and got only a few votes."

The three nominees are Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Sutiyoso, Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs
Tb.M. Rais and House of Representatives member Achmadi.

At the meeting today, the 75 councilors will be required to
make their choice and submit it in a closed envelope.

Sutiyoso has been widely touted as the winner after receiving
the blessing of his superior, the Armed Forces Commander Gen.
Feisal Tanjung.

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja's term ends on Oct. 5 and the new
governor will be installed on Oct. 6, with his term due to end in
2002.

Surjadi said yesterday that whoever succeeded him would be
able to fulfill the duties of managing Jakarta.

"Whoever is chosen as the city's governor is not a new kid on
the block," he said. "So, there is no need for me to give
comments or advice. It will be just fine." (07)