Biak legislators told to be 'clean'

BIAK, Irian Jaya: Biak regency legislators must shun the practice of money politics in the deputy regent's election which is scheduled for next month.

The deputy chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction in the Biak legislative council Arnold Mandowen said on Wednesday that the legislative council must be clean from corruption, collusion and nepotistic practices in the election of an executive.

Mandowen said that he saw indications that some legislators had started to make approaches to the candidates.

"Some legislators have approached the candidates, asking for money in return for their votes," he said, without providing any details.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Biak chapter of the United Development Party (PPP), Kamaluddin Ibrahim said in a separate interview that certain parties had submitted candidates' names. "But we, the PPP members will adhere to the system and the constitution," he was quoted by Antara as saying. (sur)