Are Golkar and PDI-P horse trading?

Are Golkar and PDI-P horse trading?

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Lobbying among political factions that intensify after debates
on constitutional amendment came to a deadlock has prompted
suspicion of horse trading among major political parties.

On the spotlight are the two biggest factions in the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Golkar Party.

Irate National Awakening Party (PKB) legislators say that the
horse trading would result in distorted amendment on the 1945
Constitution.

"I question the motive behind the lobbying," said Amru Al-
Mu'tashim, a legislator from faction during a meeting on
Tuesday.

PDI Perjuangan and the Golkar factions had allegedly made deal
between themselves on how the presidential election should
proceed if the nominee fails to win more than half of the votes.

PDI Perjuangan legislator Jacob Tobing denied the accusation
that his faction had resorted to a "take-and-give" tactic with
Golkar in the amendment process.

"Well, it's a mistake to call it give-and-take. We uphold rule
of the game to build a good system," Jacob told the press.

PDI Perjuangan had proposed that the Assembly be given
authority to elect the president from two nominees that collect
biggest votes in the first election.

While Golkar suggested that a second round of voting be
carried out to avoid interference by the Assembly.

With the deal between the two factions, there is speculation
that Golkar would change stance and agree to give the Assembly
the authority to elect president.

"Let's see the end results to prove who tell the truth," said
Golkar's legislator Slamet Effendy Yusuf.