PDI-P may name VP in April

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will hold a party leaders' meeting on Apr. 1 here to decide on a shortlist of names as possible vice presidential candidates for Megawati Soekarnoputri's running mate in the 2004 presidential election.

The three-day meeting will also choose the political parties that PDI Perjuangan would like to forge coalitions with in the upcoming elections.

"During the meeting we will also discuss the party's stance on the ongoing deliberation of the presidential election bill," PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B.B. Janis said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the party's weekly meeting led by Megawati, Roy said that the meeting would deal with many items related to the elections next year.

A party source, however, said Tuesday that it was unlikely that Megawati would choose her running mate during the meeting.--JP.