Jakarta, NU Online
PolComm Institute, a survey organization specializing in political and communication research, including public opinion polls,   assessed the 2014 presidential election is a momentum of young candidates competing in the presidential election. <>

In accordance with the PolComm Institute, one of Democratic Party presidential convention participants, Ali Masykur Musa, member of the Supreme Audit Agency, has shadowed the electability of Jakarta Governor Jokowi besides Deputy House Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso.

Director of the PolComm Institute Heri Budianto said of a number of the new candidates, Joko Widodo had the highest electability amounted to 22.9 percent. After Jokowi, followed by Deputy House Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso (16.3 percent). 

"After the names of Jokowi and Priyo (Budi Santoso), there is another name Ali Masykur Musa who obtained a 10.3 percent electability," Heri told reporters here on Sunday (09/03), saying Ali Masykur Musa garnered a high electability rating in the survey.

Heri said that Ali Masykur Musa’s popularity had increased as respondents considered that the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) chairman had greater support from the Nahdliyin (the faithful members of NU) and interfaith organizations and activists.

“As a member who was born from and plays an active role in NU, it’s normal if Ali Masykur receives greater supports from NU members. Although he ranks third, he has the potential to garner lots of votes,” said Heri.

He further said that Ali Masykur had also been deemed successful in carrying out his duties as a BPK member, especially when it came to handling environment and food security issues.

A political expert from the University of Padjadjaran, Lely Arrianie, said if Ali Masykur could approach young people and capitalize on their supports, he would get an even higher electability rating. 

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq