The South Sumatra chapter of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has nominated noted TV quiz host Helmi Yahya as the candidate for the Ogan Ilir regent post in the June 5 election.
Deputy chairman of the party’s provincial chapter Darmadi Djufri said on Sunday Helmi’s popularity could match that of the incumbent, who is seeking a second five-year mandate.
Darmadi added that Helmi was chosen as he had contested the gubernatorial election under the PDI-P banner as the running mate of Syahrial Oesman in 2008. Although the pair lost, they won the most votes in Ogan Ilir.
The regional chapter has also proposed Yulian Gunhar, Syaifudin Azhar and Fikri Bastari as Helmi’s running mate candidates. The party’s central board of executives will decide which candidate will fight alongside Helmi in the regional election, Darmadi said.
Regional elections in the South Sumatra regencies of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), East OKU and South OKU will be held simultaneously with the election in Ogan Ilir.
