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Ahok to discuss independent candidacy with supporters
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama gives a speech at Jakarta’s City Hall on June 17. (JP/Viriya Paramita Singgih)
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akarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama will discuss support offered by three political parties with his group of volunteers, Teman Ahok, to decide whether to proceed with his independent bid for next year's gubernatorial election.
The People's Conscience Party (Hanura) officially declared its support for Ahok in the 2017 election on Thursday, following the Nasdem Party's declaration of support in February. The Golkar Party is expected to announce its official support for the incumbent governor on Friday.
“Three parties officially support me. I want to ask Teman Ahok whether they want me to use the toll road or travel along the rough road? We will discuss [the matter] further,” Ahok told journalists at City Hall on Friday morning.
The backing of political parties could smoothen Ahok’s way to reelection to the capital's top post.
Yet the governor said he would prefer to stick to his independent candidacy, adding that he wanted to prove to the public that he really managed to obtain one million copies of identity cards from voters supporting his bid.
He said he would also keep Jakarta Financial and Asset Management Board (BPKAD) head Heru Budi Hartono as his running mate, but remained open to other options, such as current Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, for the election next year. (rin)
