PBB to nominate Yusril-Susilo duo

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) will ask Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to be the vice presidential running mate of PBB leader Yusril Ihza Mahendra in the presidential election in July.

PBB deputy secretary-general Abdul Kadir Lamanele said on Sunday the party's national congress had decided to nominate Yusril as its presidential candidate.

Following up on the decision, the party's executives met and agreed to ask Susilo to be the party's vice presidential candidate.

Asked about a possible coalition with other parties, Lamanele said it was premature to talk about coalitions, and the party would wait to see the results of the general election on April 5.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has also tipped Susilo as a possible running mate for its presidential candidate Amien Rais, while the Democrat Party looks certain to nominate Susilo as its presidential candidate. -- Antara