Follow your hearts when voting: SBY tells congress participants
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sun, 05/23/2010 5:55 PM
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told participants of the Democratic Party congress in Bandung on Sunday to “listen to their hearts” when voting for the new chairman of the party.
"The first round of elections ran smoothly. Congratulations to Anas Urbaningrum and Marzuki Alie. Andi, you have fought your best but you have to accept your defeat," Yudhoyono told the candidates in front of the congress participants.
During the first round of elections, the party's House of Representatives chairman Anas Urbaningrum collected 236 votes, followed by Marzuki Alie with 209, with Andi Mallarangeng, who trailed behind with only 82 votes.
As Anas failed to secure more than 50 percent votes, he must go to the second round of elections, challenging Marzuki Alie.
Yudhoyono told participants to not succumb to pressure from others in the next round of voting.
"I hope all of you will listen to your hearts. There must be no pressures from anyone. No Democratic [Party] members may pressure others. Everyone may vote according to their hearts," he said.
