Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung – Former president Megawati Sukarnoputri on Saturday said a PDI-P win in the upcoming gubernatorial election in West Java would pave the way for the party to win the 2009 general election.

Chairing the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati called on party cadres in West Java to work harder for the election of party nominees Agum Gumelar and Nu'man Abdul Hakim, and asked supporters not to be involved in the practice of money politics.

"If you are offered a basic commodity package (to vote for someone), take it, but in the balloting booth, strike the Agum-Nu'man pair's picture. If you choose other candidates, our party and our candidates will be defeated," she told her audience, mostly women, in a mass gathering to celebrate the party's 35th anniversary at Gazibu field in Bandung.

Megawati also called on voters to listen to their own conscience in voting in the governor race, saying money politics would not address the tough lives people were living.

"Do not elect the wrong candidates. What can you do with Rp 100,000? What does rice cost? Rp 6,000 per kilogram and cooking oil Rp 14,000 per kg and it can be enough for two days," she said, referring to the soaring prices of basic commodities.

She also stressed PDI-P had a special political interest in winning the governor race in the densely populated province because a victory would pave the way for the party to win the legislative and presidential elections in April and October 2009.

"Our victory in the province will strengthen our spirit to gain a similar victory in Central and East Java. The party's victory this year in Java, home of 62 percent of the country's 230 million population, is a benchmark for the party's victory of the general election next year.

"But would you like to imagine if PDI-P is defeated in this province, Central Java and East Java? No chance would come. The success in governor races is a starting point for us to dominate the Parliament and finally the State Palace," said Mega.

She also threatened to delist party cadres for the upcoming legislative election if they did not show their performance in conducting the governor race.

"No way but hard work and hard work. Those who reject working hard will be deleted for the list of legislative candidates," said Mega, who gained applause from thousands of party supporters in red T-shirts and hats.

Agum and Nu'man are expected to face a tough race with the pair of Danny Setiawan and Sulandjana nominated by the Democratic Party and the Golkar Party, which had its strongholds in urban areas.

The governor race is scheduled for April 13 with some 28 million eligible voters from the province's 41 million population.