KPU demands full independence<\/p>\n
The National Election Commission (KPU) is seeking complete
\nindependence from all state institutions to ensure impartiality
\nin implementing its tasks.<\/p>\n
The commission is currently attached to the Ministry of Home
\nAffairs although all the 11 members are \"independent\" figures who
\nhave no links with any political party or the government.<\/p>\n
KPU Chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said, \"In the future, KPU
\nshould have a secretariat of its own (not at the home ministry),\"
\nNazaruddin said.<\/p>\n
The 11 KPU members who began their tenure in April 2001 were
\nselected by legislators from among 22 nominees proposed by the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
They replaced the former 53 controversial KPU members who
\nconsisted of 48 representatives of political parties and
\ngovernment appointees prior to the 1999 general elections.<\/p>\n
Various decisions made by the 53-member commission often
\nsparked controversy as many of them voiced the interests of their
\nrespective political parties.<\/p>\n
KPU failed to agree on the results of the June 1999 general
\nelection. This prompted president B.J. Habibie to bypass the KPU
\nand announce the results of the general election.<\/p>\n
The 11-member KPU was set up in 2000 during president
\nAbdurrahman Wahid's administration.<\/p>\n
Nazaruddin expressed the hope that the separation of the KPU
\nsecretariat from the home ministry would be included in a revised
\nlaw on general elections to be deliberated at the House in
\nFebruary. --JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kpu-demands-full-independence-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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