Indonesia: Democrats moving closer to Jokowi as election nears

• In a move that would boost incumbent President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) standing, the Democratic Party of Indonesia (PD) have been laying a work for an alliance with the ruling PDI-P.
• The party, which is the second largest opposition party, has been lobbying for an alliance with the PDI-P, which has recently endorsed Jokowi’s bid for president. Democratic party officials have confirmed that there will be a meeting between Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Prananda Prabowo, the son of Megawati Soekarnoputri, the leader of the PDI-P.
• Jokowi has gained the support of 5 parties, including his own, which combined makes up 52% of the seats in parliament.
• With only 6 months before registration for candidates for the elections closes, parties are scrambling for coalitions to ensure their power.
• The only other party to nominate a candidate as of now is the Gerindra party, whilst other parties that are not in a coalition with either are still deciding whether or not to join forces with one of the two or nominate their own candidate.
• However, it seems likely that the PD will join forces with the PDI-P, as a top PD official has alluded to the potential of an alliance with the PDI-P. The PDI-P has said that they are open to an alliance with the PD.
• As of now there is no confirmed candidate to be the running mate for Jokowi, however, it is likely that Yusuf Kalla, the incumbent Vice President will be chosen, as a safe option to not anger the other parties within the PDI-P’s coalition.

External Link : http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/democrats-moving-closer-to-jokowi-as-election-nears