Jakarta – An influential Muslim group warned Tuesday that overwhelmingly Islamic Indonesia risks falling under the control of non-Muslims in the wake of its first democratic election in 44 years.

Achmad Tirtosudiro, chairman of the influential Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association, said at a news conference that the candidacy list of the leading Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle is undesirable because it is dominated by members of the Christian minority.

With 55% of the votes tabulated from the June 7 parliamentary election, the party of Megawati Sukarnoputri, herself a Muslim, has a commanding lead over 47 other groups. But it is considered unlikely to win a majority, making a coalition likely.

"Legally, we have to recognize victory by any party. But it will be very dangerous if it does not heed the aspirations of Muslims. We are certain about this," said Tirtosudiro, who took over the chairmanship from President B.J. Habibie last year. "I cannot imagine that Christians will have a say over Muslims, particularly in the process of making and endorsing laws in Parliament."

Some prominent Muslims have criticized Megawati's party for running so many non-Muslims and having Megawati, daughter of Indonesia's founding president Sukarno, as its presidential candidate. They say the country won't accept a female head of state.

"Like it or not, there are people who have no problem with a woman being a president, but there are those who cannot accept that," Tirtosudiro said.

He said it is far from certain that Megawati will become head of state, stressing that the presidency will be determined by a special assembly of the 500 members of Parliament, including 38 military appointees, and 200 government appointees.

Sri Bintang Pamungas, a minor official in the Indonesian United Democratic Party, also suggested that Megawati's party could run into trouble for having so many non-Muslim candidates. "Of course, she has a chance to be president, but there will be a kind of war before she becomes a winner," he said.

Megawati's party has been closemouthed about possible coalition partners. "I cannot give you the answers until we see the final outcome of the election," Laksamana Sukardi, a senior adviser to Megawati, said Tuesday. "We are open to making a coalition with any partners that are reformist, untainted."