Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (pictured) maintained an unchallenged lead over President Megawati Sukarnoputri yesterday with more than 70 per cent of the votes counted in Indonesia's first direct presidential polls.
The General Elections Commission reported that Mr Yudhoyono had slightly more than 30.33 million votes or 34 per cent compared with Mrs Megawati's 23.70 million votes or about 26 per cent.
Mr Wiranto remained in third spot with about 20.10 million votes, or 22 per cent, according to the elections commission tally. Mr Yudhoyono, who resigned as Mrs Megawati's top security minister, needs 50 per cent plus one vote to win the presidency in a single round of election.
Failing that, he will have to face Mrs Megawati in a second round of voting on September 20 should the incumbent head of state maintain her second position in the poll tally.
Mrs Megawati has bounced back after voters deserted her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle in April legislative elections. Both she and Mr Yudhoyono are trying to build political coalitions ahead of the next round. |
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