NEW DELHI, June 22: Indian President Abdul Kalam said on Friday he would not stand for re-election, increasing the chances of the country getting its first-ever woman head of state.

Abdul Kalam, 76, was appointed president in 2002 by the then Bharatiya Janata Party government. A presidential spokesman said he withdrew as he was reluctant to drag the presidency into a `political process’.

“After reviewing the situation carefully from all angles, he decided that in the current scenario, he will not be interested in running for the second term,” spokesman S.M. Khan said.

Provincial and federal legislators will vote on July 19 to elect India’s 12th president for a five-year term. The results are expected three days later.

The post holds limited authority over day-to-day affairs, but can play a crucial role in government formation at state and federal levels, making the selection a hotly-fought contest.—AFP