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AKARTA: The Nasdem Party, which is linked to the mass organization National Democrat (Nasdem), declared Tuesday its establishment as a political party ahead of the 2014 general elections.

Party secretary-general Ahmad Rofiq read out the party’s manifesto titled “Indonesia’s Restoration” before party members from all 33 provinces.

“The Nasdem Party aims to establish a mature democracy where diversity and unity stand together, and where dynamics, competition and freedom are in harmony to sustain people’s prosperity,” Rofiq was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

The ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures, including former vice president Jusuf Kalla.

The party, partly funded by former Golkar Party member and media mogul Surya Paloh, has registered with the Law and Human Rights Ministry to join the upcoming general elections in 2014.

Declaration committee chief Sugeng Suparwoto claimed the party had established branches in all regencies and cities across the nation as part of its attempt to gain as many votes as possible.

The plan to establish the party created rifts between members of Nasdem, which is also funded by Paloh.

A number of national figures, including organization initiator Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, left the organization in protest, saying the establishment of the Nasdem Party broke the organization’s commitment not to transform into a political party.