Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Deputy Chairman of Gerindra Party Fadli Zon has dismissed suggestion that the country`s third largest party had been divided over plan to nominate its general chairman Prabowo Subianto as the candidate to contest the forthcoming presidential election in 2019.

"All cadres of the party want Prabowo to contest the presidential election , and no one wants him to play as a king maker," Fadli said here on Monday.

Many observers have suggested Prabowo, after losing three elections including one as vice presidential candidate, play as a king maker.

Prabowo has succeeded as a king maker twice for Jakarta governor, first when candidate Joko Widodo (Jokowi) with running mate Basuki Tjahaya Purnama nominated by Gerindra and PDIP won the Jakarta gubernatorial election and second when Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno nominated by Gerindra and PKS took over the governorship in the next term.

He lost the presidential elections as a running mate of Megawati and as presidential candidates in the next two terms first against Susilo Bambang Yudhoyo and second against former Jakarta Governor Jokowi.

In 2019, if he decides to run for the presidency again he would face President Jokowi, who is seeking re-election.

Surveys showed that Jokowi is still favored to win the presidency the election in 2019.

Prabowo delaying his decision to declare to contest or not to contest the coming election gave rise to speculation that he began to doubt his chance for victory despite strong support from his party.

Fadli denied that Prabowo had become undecided saying, all presidential hopefuls need to rally support from coalition parties before declaring candidacy.

"Prabowo is entirely not undecided," he said, adding the Party is not in hurry , registration of presidential candidate would be opened in August.

Gerindra wants all conditions to be well prepared. Declaration would be made in a right time, he said.

(T.SYS/A/H-ASG/F001)

Reporter: SYSTEM
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018