78 political parties discuss general election
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)