Factions dispute timetable for General Session<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia looks certain to elect a president
\nthis month, but the exact timing of the election remains a source
\nof contention among factions of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly (MPR).<\/p>\n
On the eve of the start of the Assembly's General Session, two
\ndifferent timetables for the General Session have been put
\nforward for the consideration of the 700-member Assembly.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
\nhas proposed one schedule, with members of a small team led by
\nCrescent Star Party chief (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra proposing
\nanother option.<\/p>\n
PDI Perjuangan, which won the most seats in the June 7 General
\nElection, maintained that the General Session, including the
\npresidential election, should be held in one single two-week
\nperiod with a new president being elected by Oct. 12.<\/p>\n
\"Our country is in such a pitiful state. If we prolong it
\nfurther the people will only suffer more,\" PDI Perjuangan
\nexecutive Dimyati Hartono said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Dimyati contended that the only solution for the national
\ncrisis was for a legitimate leadership to be established as soon
\nas possible.<\/p>\n
The first option was drafted by a small team from various
\nparties, including Golkar and the National Mandate Party (PAN),
\nheaded by (PBB) leader Yusril Ihza Mahendra.<\/p>\n
This option recommends two separate phases.<\/p>\n
The first phase would be held from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, with
\nAssembly members focusing on establishing internal rules and
\nselecting speakers for the Assembly and House of Representatives.
\nIn addition, members would establish a working committee to draft
\namendments to the Constitution, Assembly decrees and the national
\nguidelines.<\/p>\n
The Assembly would then adjourn till Oct. 22, after which a
\nGeneral Session to elect the president and decide other matters
\nwould be held, with the session winding up on Nov. 1.<\/p>\n
\"We expect the presidential election to be held on Oct. 28,\"
\nYusril said.<\/p>\n
Golkar legislator Slamet Effendy Yusuf said the party would
\nstick by the first option, a move also supported by the
\nIndonesian Military (TNI).<\/p>\n
However, he was quick to add that the itinerary was not fixed.<\/p>\n
\"Basically, we welcome any alternative ideas and we are
\nprepared to seek compromises. For us, a decision must be
\nunanimously agreed to by all parties,\" said Slamet, who is one of
\nGolkar's deputy chairpersons.<\/p>\n
He said Golkar supported mounting demands for the presidential
\nelection to be moved up the timetable, but insisted that a
\npresident could be chosen only after endorsement of the State
\nPolicy Guidelines.<\/p>\n
\"During his or her term in office, the president will abide by
\nthe guidelines. In the absence of guidelines, the president will
\nbe given carte blanche,\" Slamet said.<\/p>\n
The second alternative, put forward by PDI Perjuangan,
\nproposes that the General Session be run without interruptions
\nfor a fortnight, with the president selected at the end of the
\nsession.<\/p>\n
Assembly members will determine the final schedule on Monday
\nevening, after their installation ceremony.<\/p>\n
Approval of the second alternative could directly affect the
\npresidential nomination of the candidates.<\/p>\n
Golkar has said that it might review incumbent B.J. Habibie's
\nnomination in a leadership meeting scheduled for the middle of
\nthis month. (amd)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/factions-dispute-timetable-for-general-session-1447893297",
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