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Dems may turn into opposition, says SBY
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in his capacity as Democratic Party chairman, said that the party could turn into an opposition after his second term ends
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resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in his capacity as Democratic Party chairman, said that the party could turn into an opposition after his second term ends.
'Some asked me if the Democratic Party had decided on which parties it would form an alliance with. My answer is: not yet. We are still consolidating ourselves while observing the development of the political configuration [after the legislative election]. One thing's for sure, we are willing to maintain communications with other parties,' Yudhoyono told a press conference at his residence in Cikeas, West Java, on Wednesday night.
'Some also asked, is it possible for us to form a coalition with the Gerindra Party? Of course, it is too soon to answer that now. In politics, everything is possible. But this is not the right time to answer such a specific question,' he added.
Yudhoyono also commented on whether the party could turn into an opposition after his tenure ends. 'Whether we will maintain power share or be in opposition, both are possible. If we are comfortable [with the government coalition partners], we will remain inside [the government]. But if we think it would be better for us to be outside [the government], we are ready to serve as the opposition,' he said.
Several pollster quick counts showed that the ruling party's electability had nose-dived, from the 26 percent it got in 2009, to around 9 to 10 percent this year.
