Suharto Removed as Party Chairman

The ruling party overwhelmingly elected a new reformist chairman, further severing former President Suharto’s ties to power while promoting democratic change. The vote formally ended Suharto’s role as the party’s chief patron. His key supporters were also expected to be purged from the ranks of the Golkar party, including two of his wealthy children, who, with their father, are fighting allegations of corruption. The election of Akbar Tanjung came at the end of a three-day special congress of Golkar members held less than two months after violent protests forced Suharto to step down, ending 32 years of dictatorship.