Yogie okays candidates

Yogie okays candidates

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. has approved all three of the candidates for the gubernatorial election proposed by the North Sulawesi legislative assembly.

Assembly chief speaker J.D.P. Takanendengan said he had received a letter from Yogie consenting to the candidacy of Abdullah Mokoginta, Maj. Gen. E.E. Mangindaan and Tangkudung, Antara reported.

The election is slated for Jan. 21 and the winner, who will serve a five-year term, will replace C.J. Rantung.

Mangindaan, currently the chief of the Army's Staff and Command School, appears to be leading the race. Mokoginta is the current vice governor and Tangkudung is rector of the state-run Samratulangi university in Manado.

The election's outcome is still subject to Jakarta's approval, although in the past this had been a mere formality. (emb)