Estrada’s official spokesman, former Maguindanao Rep. Didagen Dilangalen yesterday said the detained leader is of the opinion that a no-election scenario would be another source of political instability in the country.

"President Erap is in favor of having elections. There’s no other way to have political stability than to have elections," Dilangalen said when he appeared at the weekly "Kapihan sa Sulo" news forum in Sulo Hotel, Quezon City.

"Even if the people do not eat, they still want to exercise their political right," Dilangalen said quoting Estrada.

Earlier, Ramos threatened to withdraw support from President Arroyo unless she declared by New Year’s Day that she opposed the proposal of the Consultative Commission (Con-com) to scrap the elections in 2007.

Ramos described Con-com’s proposal as a "monumental blunder" while insisting that holding the 2007 elections would be the most effective proof of the government’s claim that the country was still politically stable.

For the first time, Estrada shared his predecessor’s views. Dilangalen said Estrada warned that by canceling the elections, the Arroyo administration would "add another ingredient for the political instability of this country."

On his own personal view, Dilangalen said the Con-Com’s proposal virtually deprives the people of their sovereign right to choose their leaders.

"If you really want democracy to work, go on with the elections. If you don’t want democracy to work, get rid of the elections," the former congressman said. Meanwhile, Dilangalen said the deposed leader is hoping that 2006 would be a good year for him.

As Estrada’s defense lawyers are expected to conclude presenting their evidence this year, Dilangalen said the former president is confident the Sandiganbayan will acquit him of charges that he amassed over R4-billion in ill-gotten wealth during his short-lived presidency.

"There is really no evidence against him," Dilangalen said.