Wahid says he won't stand for reelection, to back Megawati

0 Comments | Asian Political News, July 17, 2000

JAKARTKA, July 13 Kyodo

Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid said in an interview with the CNN television network Thursday that he will not stand for reelection when his term is up four years from now and will back Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri if she runs for the presidency.

Wahid, who was elected president in October last year, has seen his popularity eroded in recent months as the Indonesian economy remains in the doldrums and ethnic violence sweeps the country.

Wahid defeated Megawati for the presidency in the presidential election held at the People's Consultative Assembly on Oct. 20, but he has since said he has no intention to hold onto the power.

The next presidential election is due in 2004.