NU figure warns contestants not to involve NU

Surabaya, NU Online
The advisor (Mustasyar) of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Musthofa "Gus Mus" Bisri has warned all contestants willing to take part in East Java's gubernatorial election not to involve NU organizationally.

The leader of the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) Raudlatut Thalibin, Rembang, Central Java said those involving themselves in politics may not use NU and its all attributes to win over voters.<>

On the sidelines of a meeting held in the Foundation of NU Educational and Social Institution of Khadijah in Surabaya on Sunday (204), he said that the people in the province that mostly are Nahdliyin (NU followers) could be free in electing their prospective hopefuls.

As reported by NU Online news portal, in coming July's race there would reportedly be some figures of NU running the race, namely KH Ali Maschan Moesa (former chairman of East Java's NU), Saifullah "Gus Ipul" Yusuf (Ansor Youth Movement), and Khofifah Indar Parawansa (Fatayat NU).

Political parties in East Java have recruited members from a dominant local Muslim organization in an apparent strategy to win the province's first-ever gubernatorial election in July.

The Golkar Party, which holds 15 of the 100 seats in the provincial legislature, has nominated Ali Maschan Moesa as running mate of incumbent vice governor Soenaryo.

The coalition of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Democratic Party (PD) nominated Gus Ipul as running mate of the secretary of the provincial government, Soekarwo.

The NU-affiliated National Awakening Party (PKB), which formed a coalition with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), has decided to nominate influential NU figure Achmady as a candidate for governor and is seeking a suitable figure to run alongside him. PKB holds 31 seats in the provincial legislature.

While the Development United Party (PPP) and other minority parties have nominated Khofifah Indar Parawansa as the candidate of governor. (dtm/rif)