PDI-P, Gerindra Rely on Last Minute Meetings to Seek for Right Partner

The key persons in both the Indonesian Democracy Party of Struggle (PDIP) and Gerindra Party have been using the last weeks before the registration opening to intensively seek the right partner for their respective presidential candidates, Ganjar Pranowo and Prabowo Subianto.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates' registration is open from Oct 19 to Oct 25 at the General Elections Commission.

PDI-P Executive Board Head Puan Maharani had several times come public that PDI-P was currently considering several names as listed in the presidential candidates, like Mahfud MD, Sandiaga Uno, Erick Thohir, and Andika Perkasa. However, then Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto mentioned that Khofifah Indar Parawansa has also been considered as vice-presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, in Prabowo’s camp, it was reportedly that there were two figures who were proposed as Prabowo’s running mate. But Prabowo himself still refused to mention the names. Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Habiburohman had earlier confirmed that Khofifah Indar Parawansa was deemed fit to be Prabowo’s vice president candidate.

Previously, several names like Yenny Wahid, Erick Thohir, and Airlangga Hartarto were widely mentioned as the shortlisted candidates to accompany Prabowo on his third presidential bid.