LAKSONO: TOMMY NOT LIKELY TO WIN GOLKAR CHIEF ELECTION

Jakarta, Sept 11 (ANTARA) - Golkar Party Vice Chairman Agung Laksono said Tommy Soeharto only has a small chance of winning the party leadership election at the party's conference next month.

"Yes, I think his chances will be slim because the conference cannot be used to change party rules," Laksono told newsmen here on Friday after conducting Friday prayers.

He said the conference would only change provisions if they were really considered very fundamental. The conference could not be exploited to pass a candidate. "It is impossible to use the authority of the conference just for passing a candidate," he said.

Therefore, Laksono said he did not think Tommy's declaration to run for the post would affect support for Aburizal Bakrie.

"Until now I have not seen it because those who would support Aburizal Bakrie have given confirmation. A deal has been made so it will not change," he said.

Laksono said that based on survey results support for Aburizal had reached 54 percent, followed by Surya Paloh (30 percent). "So, only 16 percent of respondents were still undecided. This may go to Ical or Tommy. But those who have confirmed, I think, will not change their mind," he said.

Laksono admitted that Tommy had a right to run but the decision would be in the hands of the participants of the party conference. "What is also important is the requirements. Are they met or not. That will also be taken into account by voters," he said.

Regarding rules for the implementation of the conference, he said he did not know but added it would all depend on political dynamics.

"Those who have a right to vote are not only central, provincial and district/city board members. The question is whether each of them will have one vote or whether there will be voting blocks. It is not yet finished," he said. ***1***