Attorneys' appeal to Jakarta Council

Attorneys' appeal to Jakarta Council

From Rakyat Merdeka

A credible election committee is required for the nomination
of Jakarta's gubernatorial candidates, while the mechanisms and
process of the election should be transparent. Therefore, the
Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Advocates Association (AAI),
representing and acting on behalf of candidates for the posts of
Jakarta governor and deputy governor for 2002-2007, conveys the
following:

1. The capital has to be rescued from confusion, so a credible
governor must be elected for the 2002-2007 term, with a good
track record and the full support of all Jakartans, without any
past breaches of the law or the status of a criminal suspect.

2. The mechanisms and process of the gubernatorial election for
the 2002-2007 term have not yet met the necessary criteria, which
include:

* The election should be free from the practices of corruption,
collusion and nepotism, and should be transparent.

* The candidates who have already revealed their visions and
missions should have clear-cut professional standards.

* The election committee should give reasons for passing over or
rejecting candidates through the broadcast or print media.

* The factions in the Jakarta City Council, in summoning
candidates for the second-phase of selection, have lacked
transparency and have violated human rights.

* The committee should not have selected any candidates involved
in criminal activities or declared criminal suspects, pursuant to
the rules in force.

* The issue of bribery and the buying of votes has been
widespread, so the council's election committee should clarify
the matter.

3. In view of the lack of professionalism and the infringement of
law and human rights in the process and mechanisms of the
gubernatorial election, the Jakarta chapter of AAI appeals that:

* The Jakarta City Council, within 72 hours, dissolve the
election committee and cancel all its decisions.

* The Jakarta Police, within 72 hours, revoke the certificate of
good conduct already issued in the name of Lt. Gen. (ret)
Sutiyoso, because this person has the status of a criminal
suspect for his alleged involvement in the attack on the
headquarters of Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), known as the
July 27 incident.

MUNIR FUADY

Indonesian Advocates Association

Jakarta