Activist insists KPU members must be credible

Activist insists KPU members must be credible

JAKARTA (JP): To save the General Election Committee (KPU)
from skepticism, the government must appoint individuals who are
credible and respected by the country as its representatives in
the body, the Movement for National Justice and Unity (GKPB)
urged on Friday.

In a news conference here, GKPB coordinator Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja warned that public confidence would quickly wane,
thus putting the election in jeopardy, if the government insists
on appointing its functional bureaucrats to represent it in the
Committee.

"Don't victimize a free and fair election by insisting on the
principle of functionality," said Sarwono, himself a former
Golkar secretary-general and government minister.

Without mentioning names, Sarwono said retired officials could
be a potential source of candidates.

The Committee, to be set up once the temporary 11-member
General Election Institute finishes verifying political parties'
eligibility to contest the polls, will have the task of
formulating guidelines to oversee the running of the June 7
polls.

Guidelines

Among the guidelines will likely be campaign regulations and
requirements for societal groups who wish to have representatives
in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The new Assembly will consist of the 500 House of
Representatives (DPR) members, 135 regional representatives
appointed by the provincial legislature and 65 representatives
from societal groups.

According to the government's own schedule, the General
Election Committee should be established by March 1.

Reports last week that the government had appointed active
officials as its representatives to the Committee provoked a
public outcry.

Many fear a return to the past habit of poll rigging in an
effort to preserve the status quo.

Public trust of bureaucrats is very low at present, Sarwono
said. "Besides, there's actually no incentive at all for the
government (to side with one party) given that many parties will
contest the polls."

GKPB also urged all independent electoral watchdogs to work
together to make the elections a success.

It invited all existing monitoring committees, both
international and domestic, to jointly set up a chain of poll
information booths to educate voters.

"These information booths (set up in public places) will be an
effective means to familiarize people with the election laws,
voting procedures, political parties and the work of the poll
watchdog," the party said in a statement. (aan)