T

he winnerof the Democratic Party convention, Dahlan Iskan, has officially declaredhis support for the presidential ticket of Joko "Jokowi" Widodoand Jusuf Kalla.

Dahlansaid his decision to support the pair was based on the fact he felt hecould relate to both Jokowi and Kalla's characteristics, as reported by tribunnews.com.

"Isee parts of me in Pak Jokowi and Pak Kalla," he said before Jokowi-Kallasupporters at the Sentul International Convention Hall in West Java on Saturday.

Hesaid he had similarities with Jokowi as they were both innovators, while herelated to Kalla because of the latter'€™s quick thinking and decisive nature.

Dahlan,who is also the state-owned enterprises minister, said he was prepared towork hard to campaign for Jokowi and Kalla up to the presidential election on July 9.

DemocraticParty chairman President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had earlier stated that theruling party would remain neutral and would ready itself to become a party ofopposition.

However,the President also asked party members to vote for the presidential candidatethat shared similar visions with the Democratic Party. (fss/dic)