Suharto was expected to accede to the request after it was formally presented to him and after he had received assurances on the continued stability and development of the nation, the sources said. Habibie was elected vice-president in March by the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR), which also re-elected Suharto to a seventh five-year term. Article Eight of the constitution states: "Should the president die, cease from executing or be unable to execute his duties during his term of office, his office shall be taken by the Vice-President until the expiry of that term." Financial markets had reacted strongly against the prospects of a Habibie candidacy ahead of the March election, and some political analysts have questioned how long he might retain the presidency if he took over from Suharto.