"We already have one [final] name. But as for who the person is, it will be announced by the party's central board," PDI-P Jakarta campaign team chairman Gembong Warsono said.

Senior members of the party previously submitted seven names to the party's chairwoman, Megawati Soekarnoputri, for her to make a final decision. Party members had been silent over the seven names, but a senior PDI-P politician said the list comprised both party members and individuals outside the party.

Megawati's blessing had been the most sought after by candidates such as Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and businessman Sandiaga Uno from the Gerindra Party. As the ruling party, the PDI-P has yet to announce to whom it would throw its support behind in the Jakarta election.

The party had been in talks with several political parties to form a coalition in next year's election, Gembong said. There is no word yet as to whether the PDI-P will join Gerindra and the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), or back Ahok, who has secured backing from the Golkar Party, the Hanura Party and the NasDem Party.

PDI-P member Surabaya Mayor Tri "Risma" Rismaharini is among possible candidates on account of her positive performance while leading the country's second- largest city. Political analysts have also said that Risma would be a worthy contender for incumbent Ahok should she gain the nomination. (rin)

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