"Pak (Mr) Surya (Nasdem`s general chairman) and Ibu (Mme) Megawati (PDIP`s general chairperson) are very close. If the two parties coalesce, they will get to know each other better," said Nasdem`s secretary general Rio Capella on Tuesday.
He added that if the two parties are able to understand each other better and build a common vision, there would be greater cooperation in the parliament and the administration; this way, national development can be achieved.
He said Nasdem and PDIP have not decided to coalesce but have increased communication with each other.
Rio said Nasdem has not discussed its presidential candidate as the party is still focusing on legislative elections, which will be held before the presidential election next year.
"Nasdem's decision to nominate its own candidate will be made known after the legislative elections," he said.
He added that a party can only nominate its presidential candidate if it manages to get 20 percent of the votes in the national legislative elections; if it fails, it has to form a coalition with other parties.
That is why Nasdem is not in a hurry to determine its presidential candidate, he said.
"We wish to become a big party but it need not be shown explicitly. We also have to assess the situation and condition of our cadres," he added.
He mentioned that Nasdem has not only communicated with PDIP but also with Golkar Party, led by Aburizal Bakrie, adding that the two parties have held several meetings.
When asked about which of the two parties will benefit Nasdem more for coalition, Rio said he believes a coalition should be built on shared national interests instead of benefits.
"Forming a coalition with one of the parties may hurt Nasdem but it is better for the nation," he said.
Nasdem, established by Surya Paloh, a media mogul and former Golkar figure, would be a new comer in the next election and will compete with 11 other political parties that have passed requirements to participate in the election.
The other political parties that would take part in next year`s elections are ruling Democrat Party, the National Awakening Party (PKB), the United Development Party (PPP), the Prosperous and Justice Party (PKS), the People`s Conscience Party (Hanura), the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
The Democrat Party, Golkar, and PDIP have become the biggest political parties, so far, winning 20.85 percent, 14.45 percent and 14.03 percent of the votes respectively in the last legislative elections in 2009.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
