Sultan may face gubernatorial race

YOGYAKARTA: A second candidate is likely to be nominated here today for governor despite speculation Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is likely to be elected by an overwhelming majority.

Sources at the provincial legislator told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the provincial legislature would nominate its branch chief, Alfian Dharmawan, as an alternative candidate.

While there has been a clamorous outpouring of support for Sri Sultan, some have warned he may not be the sole candidate.

"This is the era of reform. Out of respect for democracy, there should be an election and this means there must be at least two candidates," said A. Budi Hartono of the local Legal Aid Foundation branch office.

In a statement yesterday, the foundation also warned Sri Sultan to be leery of the wave of support for him.

"The sultan has to be careful of opportunists who express support for him but only seek personal gain," it said. (23/44)