Only 94 candidates return DPD forms<\/p>\n
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The General Elections Commission (KPU) has decided to extend the
\nregistration period for Jakarta's Regional Representative Council
\n(DPD) due to a shortfall in the number of contestants.<\/p>\n
Of the total 575 people who had picked up the registration
\nforms to compete for four DPD seats, only 94 had returned the
\nforms before Monday's midnight deadline.<\/p>\n
The KPU is giving another week for candidates from all over
\nthe country to fulfill the requirements before they return the
\nforms to the local General Elections Commission (KPUD).<\/p>\n
Apparently, most candidates find it difficult to meet the
\nrequirements for enclosing copies of their supporters' ID cards.
\nEach Jakarta candidate is required to submit 3,000 photocopies of
\ntheir supporters' IDs.<\/p>\n
KPU Jakarta chairman M. Taufik said 21 percent of those who
\nhad returned the forms might be disqualified for failing to
\nenclose the required number of their supporters' IDs.<\/p>\n
\"Many of them only submitted 1,000 copies. Of course they will
\nnot pass the verification process,\" Taufik told the press on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
The verification process will last until Oct. 31.<\/p>\n
Among noted public figures who have returned their
\nregistration forms are former environment minister Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja, businessman Pontjo Sutowo, businesswoman Mooryati
\nSoedibyo, businesswoman Kemala Motik, Fadloli El Muhir,
\nbusinessman Biem T Benyamin, Soerjani Tohir, and Rusdi Saleh.<\/p>\n
Taufik also said that only 16 percent of the candidates who
\nhad returned their forms were born in Jakarta, while the
\nremainder came from other provinces.<\/p>\n
According to Taufik, KPU Jakarta would give applicants who had
\nnot returned their forms until Sept. 15, in line with the central
\nKPU's policy. In the meantime, KPU Jakarta would continue
\nprocessing the forms that had been returned, he said.<\/p>\n
A number of organizations from several universities and non-
\ngovernmental organization activists are helping KPU Jakarta check
\nthe returned forms.<\/p>\n
Candidates who pass the verification process will be eligible
\nto contest the legislative elections on April 3, 2004.<\/p>\n
The planned DPD will be the first Regional Representatives
\nCouncil to be elected directly by the people. Each province will
\nhave four DPD members.<\/p>\n
Members of the DPD and the House of Representatives (DPR)
\nwould establish the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which
\nis the highest legislative body in the country.<\/p>\n
At the MPR, regions are currently represented by the Regional
\nRepresentative Faction, whose members are appointed by the
\nprovincial legislative councils.<\/p>\n
The responsibilities of the new DPD will include formulating
\nbills related to regional autonomy, management of natural
\nresources and liaising between local administrations and the
\ncentral government.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/only-94-candidates-return-dpd-forms-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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