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