http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/christian-party-denies-merger-with-pan/571170
Christian Party Denies Merger With PAN Markus Junianto Sihaloho | February 12, 2013 The Prosperous Peace Party on Tuesday denied that they had joined forces with the National Mandate Party, or with any other political parties, for the 2014 legislative elections. The Christian party, which is known as PDS, failed to win a seat in the 2009 legislative elections and were not named as an eligible party to contest the 2014 elections by the General Elections Commission (KPU). “We have very good communications with PAN. We’re exploring the possibility [for partnership], but have yet discuss the form,” said Deny Tewu, chairman of PDS, following reports that the two parties had merged. Deny added that PDS were still trying to challenge the KPU's decision to contest in the 2014 elections, bringing the case to the State Administrative High Court (PTUN). “PDS remains in its original [structure], and is still fighting at the PTUN so that we can contest in the 2014 elections,” Deny said. Viva Yoga Mauladi, the head of PAN — which was founded in 1998 by leaders of Indonesia’s second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah — had said earlier on Tuesday that it was an open nationalist party carrying the state ideology of Pancisila. “PAN doesn’t discriminate against people from different religions, tribes, ethnicities, cultures or genders. PAN appreciates plurality and humanity. PDS’ fusion with us is in line with PAN’s platform,” Viva said. Viva said the Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK) and the National Sun Party (PMB), smaller parties that had not won legislative seats, had also expressed intentions to join forces with PAN. “We hope this will boost PAN’s vote gain in the upcoming elections,” Viva said. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
