IF the presidential elections were held today, who would win? This question, asked by a pollster, brought good news to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He is still ahead, albeit narrowly, of Megawati Soekarnoputri, the former president who is his main rival. If nothing untoward happens—these two politicians are expected to battle each other in the second and final round of the race for the Palace next year.

The latest polls from a growing number of p