The two "old" parties seem to be competing fiercely to attract more voters.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP) are in close competition for the top spot in the election, according to a survey.

Based on the results of a countrywide survey conducted by the Indonesia Research Center (IRC) on Sept. 25, the PDIP was ranked first, with an approval rating of 19.6 percent, while Golkar came in second, with a rating of 16.3 percent.

The two "old" parties seem to be competing fiercely to attract more voters.

Three parties, meanwhile, have ranked third in the competition for the hot seat: the ruling Democrat Party, with 7.8 percent approval; Hanura, with 7.2 percent; and Gerindra, with 7 percent.

The fourth position is contested by the Nasional Demokrat (Nasdem), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the United Development Party (PPP), and the National Awakening Party (PKB).

With regard to the presidential candidates, the IRC survey results indicate that Jakarta governor Joko Widodo still remains the most popular candidate, with an approval rating of 34.5 percent; followed by Wiranto, pairing with Hary Tanoesoedibyo from Hanura, with a rating of 10.6 percent; Prabowo Subianto from Gerindra, 8.7 percent; and Aburizal Bakrie, 8.1 percent.

A significant change has occurred in the second position of the line-up of most popular presidential candidates, with Wiranto taking over Prabowo`s position.

Indonesia plans to hold parliamentary elections in April 2014, which will be followed by a presidential election later that year. Twelve political parties will compete in the elections. Apart from those currently in the top 4 positions, the other parties are the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Star and Moon Party (PBB), and the Justice and Indonesian Unity Party (PKPI).(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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