Suharto's former party wins officially Indonesian polls

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Golkar party founded by former dictator Suharto was on Wednesday officially proclaimed the winner of Indonesia's general election with 21.6 percent of the vote.

President Megawati Sukarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle was second with 18.53 per cent of the vote in the April 5 legislative election, the national election commission announced.

The result represents a major setback for Megawati's party, which won more than a third of the votes in 1999 _ in the first free ballot after the overthrow of Suharto's 32-year dictatorship. Analysts said voters had been angry at Megawati's failure to improve the stagnant economy. The results will influence her chances in July 5 presidential elections, where she will face retired gen. Wiranto as Golkar candidate. Gen Wiranto is accused by the UN of crimes against humanity.

According to the final tally, the National Awakening Party of former President Abdurrahman Wahid came in third, with 10.57 percent. It was followed by the United Development Party of Vice President Hamzah Haz with 8.15 and the Democratic Party of leading presidential contender Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono with 7.45 percent.

• indonesia
• election
• suharto