Dradjad gives up PAN leader candidacy

Dradjad Wibowo gave up his intention to compete for the chairman post of the National Mandate Party (PAN), giving way for Hatta Radjasa as the only runner for the position, only a few moments before the voting was begun at the party's national congress in Batam , Riau Islands, on Saturday.

“For the sake of ukhuwah (the brotherhood of Muslims). Insya Allah (God Willing) Hatta Radjasa [will now] lead PAN,” he said, followed by cheers from his supporters, as reported by Antara state news agency.

Party founder Amien Rais who supported the candidacy of both candidates, shook Dradjad's hand after the statement.

Amien later told the floor that there would be no voting for the leadership post, signaling that Dradjad's resignation has sent Hatta to the top seat.

Hatta had said that if elected chairman, he would strengthen the party’s coalition with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s government. He also promised to boost the party’s performance in the 2014 legislative elections.

Hatta offered a diametrically different option from Drajad, who wants to bring PAN out of the Yudhoyono-led coalition.

PAN finished fifth in the 2009 legislative elections with 6 million votes, or 6 percent of the total national votes.