Jakarta. Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed Monday that he will contest the Golkar Party chairmanship to replace Airlangga Hartarto in the internal voting to be held during the national congress that will kick off tomorrow.

Bahlil, who was sworn in as the energy and mineral resources minister earlier in the day, could become a sole candidate if no competitors file their candidacy until 10 p.m.

“I have declared my candidacy, that means I'm ready to contest,” Bahlil said in Jakarta.

Gokar Party, which will secure the second-most seats in the House of Representatives based on results from the last election, needs a leader with strong determination and self-confidence, he added.

The organizing committee said Bahlil has collected support from 30 percent of Golkar's provincial chapters to reach eligibility as a candidate as required by the internal ruling.

Golkar was forced to hold a national congress and elect a new chairman early after Airlangga suddenly resigned to focus on his job as the economic minister.

The party has appointed Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita as interim leader to organize the congress and he himself is a potential candidate to take the helm at Golkar.

On Thursday, Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Bambang Soesatyo said the congress will decide on a new chairman from among three leading figures.

Bambang, who also serves as the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly, the country’s highest legislative body, said the contenders include himself, Bahlil, and Agus Gumiwang.

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