78 political parties discuss general election
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Representatives of 78 political parties sat down together here on Saturday to begin a two-day seminar aimed at producing recommendations for the House of Representatives (DPR) when it resumes deliberating the new political laws on Monday.
The seminar, organized by Gadjah Mada University, was attended by 150 participants representing both newly formed parties and the country's three established political organizations -- Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).
During Saturday's opening ceremony, Gadjah Mada University rector Ichlasul Amal said the seminar had been organized to give all political parties a chance to voice their opinions on the general election scheduled for June 7 next year.
"It's unfair that only the big three political parties are involved in deliberating the political bills," he said, adding that all parties must be in broad agreement with the electoral system if the country wants to succeed in holding a fair, free and democratic election next year.
He said the results of the seminar would be sent to the House to ensure that legislators deliberating the political bills were aware of the opinions held by members of the smaller parties.
On Monday, the House Working Committee will continue deliberating three draft laws covering political parties, general elections, and the structure and function of the House, the People's Consultative Assembly and the provincial and regency legislatures.
Political scientist Riswandha Imawan, who is a member of the seminar's organizing committee, stressed the importance that inputs from new political parties should have in deliberation of the draft laws.
"Like it or not, the university will send the seminar's recommendations to the government and the House," he said.
Riswandha said that if the government is committed to making the results of the general election legal and legitimate it must listen to advice and suggestions from the public.
Opposition
As discussions progressed at the seminar, it became quickly apparent that most of those in attendance were opposed to the government maintaining an active presence on the National Election Committee.
Most feared the election results would be manipulated if government officials were responsible for running the election.
Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, the deputy chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Perjuangan loyal to Megawati Soekarnoputri, called on the government to restrict itself to a facilitating role in the election.
"The election should be run by political parties while the government should play the role of facilitator," he said.
Another issue expected to touch some raw nerves before the seminar closes on Sunday are the requirements which political parties must meet in order to contest future elections.
During a gathering two weeks ago, around 60 of 102 new parties expressed opposition to the draft political laws, saying they were undemocratic and restricted the participation of small political parties.
According to the draft law on general elections, only parties which have chapters in at least 14 provinces and 180 regencies or which have collected one million signatures of support are eligible to contest elections.
The parties also said the draft law would still favor Golkar because 150 members of the regional representatives faction in the People's Consultative Assembly would be appointed by the provincial legislative councils, all of which are dominated by the ruling political organization. (23/rms)