Indonesian parties mull sidelining most popular candidates in next presidential polls

Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo (left) and Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan have been ranked tier one candidates by pollsters based on their individual electability. - CENTRAL JAVA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, ANIES BASWEDAN/FACEBOOK

JAKARTA (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Two popular presidential hopefuls may be out of the running even before the race has begun, as political parties in the ruling coalition may be trying to deny them a party ticket.

The top leaders of some major political parties have reportedly engaged in closed-door talks about denying Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan of a nomination for the 2024 presidential election.