Direct vote suggested for local officials<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A law observer suggested on Friday that the
\ngovernment introduce a direct voting system in the election for
\nlocal officials such as regents, mayors and governors to prevent
\nthe practice of money politics.<\/p>\n
\"In a direct vote, people directly choose their favorite
\ncandidates and, therefore, eliminate chances of candidates
\nbribing councilors in a bid to win the election,\" Bambang
\nWidjoyanto, chairman of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal
\nAid Institute (YLBHI), said.<\/p>\n
He was commenting on the alleged occurrence of money politics
\nin the election of Depok mayor last Tuesday, which led to rage on
\nthe part of supporters of another candidate who lost the vote.<\/p>\n
Under the current system in most provinces across the country,
\nexcept Jakarta, candidates for the posts of mayor, regent and
\ngovernor are screened and elected by local councilors.<\/p>\n
In Jakarta, mayors at the five mayoralties are appointed
\ndirectly by the governor, who is elected by local councilors.<\/p>\n
However, Bambang, who is also a member of the ethical board of
\nthe Indonesian Corruption Watch, acknowledged that many people
\nmight not be ready to participate in the direct system.<\/p>\n
He was wary that less-educated people, who make up most of
\ncountry's population, would choose incompetent candidates for the
\nimportant positions.<\/p>\n
But he insisted that the direct system was the only viable
\noption to meet people's aspirations, compared to the current
\nsystem which is considered disadvantageous to the public.<\/p>\n
\"The direct system will allow people to vote for officials
\nthey consider able to fight for their interests,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Allegations of money politics are rampant in some areas,
\nincluding Bali, Padang and Surabaya. If those cases truly
\noccurred, this means the councilors betrayed their people, people
\nwho chose them during the general election,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said immediate action must be taken to stop the tendency,
\nwhile people have to recognize and help establish the strong
\ngrounds for introducing the direct voting system.<\/p>\n
\"There should be strong supervision of councilors by the
\npeople to prevent money politics occurring again in future,\" he
\nsaid. (asa)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/direct-vote-suggested-for-local-officials-1447893297",
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