Desy Nurhayati, Jakarta – Normally elections are about campaign funds and strategy but, believe it or not, some political parties consider which number they draw for the 2009 polls a clue to their success or failure.

In a nation where mysticism still prevails, party executives believe the numbers, drawn on Wednesday, could prove lucky – or not.

"We expect the number one will trigger positive changes to this party," People's Conscience Party (Hanura) chairman Wiranto said on the party's official website after the draw. "Number one will also encourage us to work harder to win the election."

Wiranto was seen smiling and gesturing excitedly when the number one went to his party in the draw at the General Elections Commission (KPU).

With support from former military generals and seasoned politicians, Hanura is dubbed a strong contender for the 2009 election anyway.

The National Awakening Party (PKB) was given number 13, as if to reflect its grinding internal dispute, which it has still not overcome even as the election draws nearer.

But Helmy Faisal, the PKB deputy secretary-general loyal to the camp led by Muhaimin Iskandar, dismissed any concerns about the bad luck long associated with the number.

"We are grateful to qualify for the election, no matter what number we get. We will prove that 13 is not a jinxed number," he told The Jakarta Post. "So just accept the number 13, otherwise it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Nevertheless, PKB party executives would have preferred number nine to emulate the nine stars that mark its symbol, Helmy admitted. That lucky number went to the National Mandate Party (PAN).

But PAN member Alvin Lie said the number would have no impact on the party's performance in the election. "The most important thing for wooing voters to our party is our achievements in either the legislature or the executive, not the number," he said.

PAN has distanced itself from the government in the past year, despite having three members in the Cabinet of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Alvin referred to the 2004 election, when PAN was listed number 13, but managed to finish fifth in terms of House of Representatives seats won. "We don't believe in such superstitions, so number nine means nothing," he said.

Number nine is reportedly also the favorite of Yudhoyono, whose date of birth is Sept. 9, 1949. Indeed, there has been speculation the President was behind the new election date, which was originally set for April 5. The KPU has denied the rumors, saying the election day was rescheduled to accommodate minority Christian and Chinese-Indonesian communities.

Leaders of the 34 parties that will contest the April 9 election attended the draw, including Golkar Party chairman and Vice President Jusuf Kalla. "Great, great," Kalla said as he walked to a waiting car, commenting on the number 23 that went to Golkar.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Yudhoyono's Democratic Party drew number 28 and number 31, respectively.