Wasti Atmodjo, Sanur – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) concluded its congress here Tuesday by releasing a final evaluation of the government's performance.

"After two years of carefully evaluating the performance of the present government from the regional to central level, I can clearly comment that they have failed to meet the people's expectations for the betterment of their lives," party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri said.

The PDI-P condemned the government's handling of the natural and man-made disasters that have affected the country in the last two years.

A winner in the previous election and tipped as an opposition to the current government, the PDI-P also said that the government had failed to properly manage the country's transportation system or haj pilgrimages to Mecca.

"I urge the media not to partially quote my speeches. Here I am delivering my opinion on the government's performance," said Megawati, who has been criticized in the past for remaining silent on many political and national issues.

The party also said that it was confident about its performance in the 2009 elections.

"We will be running like the wind. We are not a marathon runner, but a sprinter," Megawati said in her closing remarks at the congress. Megawati, Indonesia's first female president, was in power from 2001 to 2004, when she was defeated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The possibility of her running in the 2009 presidential election was raised at the congress, although party secretary general Pramono Anung said that Megawati is yet to agree.

"This is a recommendation that was agreed upon by the majority of party members, but a further meeting of PDI-P leaders will comprehensively discuss the issue and make a final decision," Pramono said. The party's next congress will be held in 2008.

The meeting issued 23 recommendations on improving national issues and the political system, as well as imposing a moratorium on environmental exploitation.

Among the most controversial recommendations is the proposal to change the election schedule, which suggests the presidential election be held before the legislative poll.

Under the laws that governed the 2004 elections, a legislative election is required in order to name the parties that can nominate presidential candidates.

The PDI-P's recommendation has drawn criticism from a number of political candidates, who have said the proposal suggests the party is concerned it may lose the 2009 presidential election.