MEGAWATI ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT

October 21, 1999
		Megawati Sukarnoputri, the popular Indonesian political leader defeated in her bid for the country's presidency Wednesday was sworn in Thursday as the archipelago's vice president. -- Posted 12:30 PM ET

Online NewsHour Special Report: Indonesia An Online NewsHour profile of Megawati Sukarnoputri Oct. 20, 1999: A discussion on the Indonesian elections. Oct. 20, 1999: Wahid selected as Indonesia's president July 8, 1999: A discussion on Indonesia's election process. June 2, 1998: Indonesia attempts to form a democratic government. May 22, 1998: A discussion on changes in the Indonesian government. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of Asia.     Former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie Presidential candidate Megawati Sukarnoputri Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs

The decision came from Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly, the same group that chose Muslim cleric Abdurrahman Wahid over Megawati when it ruled on Indonesia's presidency. That decision prompted an angry response from Megawati supporters, who rampaged in the streets of several cities despite the candidate's pleas for calm. Her selection as vice president is expected to quell the violence. "I am very grateful of what has been achieved," Megawati said shortly after the result of the vice presidential vote was announced. "Certainly my first step is to give the best thing to the Indonesian people." Indonesia watchers say Megawati's selection takes on an added importance because of the new president's failing health. Some speculate that Wahid, who is nearly blind and has suffered two strokes, may be unable to complete his five-year term. In that case, Megawati would succeed him. Megawati became a favorite for the vice presidency after her surprise defeat Wednesday. Until Tuesday night, she had been widely expected to trounce sitting president B.J. Habibie in the parliament's selection process. But when Habibie received what amounted to a vote of no confidence from the parliament Tuesday, he withdrew from the race, allowing his party to endorse Wahid. Shortly before the assembly's decision Thursday, Gen. Wiranto, head of Indonesia's military, and Akbar Tanjung, chief of the former ruling party, withdrew from the race. The two, along with another Indonesian politician, had been Megawati's main competition for the vice presidency. Fresh violence had erupted early Thursday, with pro-Megawati supporters setting up roadblocks and burning tires. But the violence did not reach the levels of Wednesday's riots, which paralyzed much of downtown Jakarta. At least two people were killed and over 70 were injured Wednesday afternoon when several car bombs exploded in the city.