Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates
Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates
Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Centre for Electoral Reform (Cetro) issued on Wednesday a
list of 109 women for political parties to recruit as legislative
candidates during the upcoming general election.
Cetro spokesperson Erry Seda said the list was presented in
response to complaints that qualified female candidates were few
and far between.
"We expect that political parties will now use our database to
recruit qualified female legislative candidates, and no longer
pick women candidates just to attract voters," Erry said.
The list was part of a complete database of about 1,000 names
of women nationwide Cetro plans to offer to political parties
within the next three months.
The Election Law stipulates that parties can exercise a 30
percent quota of women in their total number of legislative
candidates. Many have hailed the clause as a giant leap in the
country's democracy, considering the fact there were only 45
among 500 House of Representatives legislators elected in the
1999 polls.
National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Alwi Shihab,
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Deputy
Chairman Roy B.B. Janis and Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Slamet
Effendy Yusuf turned up for the database launching to scout for
women candidates.
The 109 candidates were selected for their achievement and
contribution to the community and their commitment to the process
of democracy. They have all announced their interest in running
for legislative seats in the House of Representatives and
regional legislatures.
The women are varied by profession, ranging from kindergarten
teachers to non-governmental organization activists. They are not
affiliated to any political party.
Among the prominent names identified are, actress Nurul
Arifin, Antara journalist Nurul Hayat and People's Consultative
Assembly legislator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana.
The 30 percent quota ruling has sparked criticism for the use
the word "can" without mentioning any sanctions should political
parties fail to comply with it.
Many fear that the ruling opens the opportunity for parties to
recruit female legislative candidates not based on their
suitability or qualifications, but to use them only as vote
getters.
Recently, several women activists vowed to boycott any
political party that failed to implement the 30 percent quota for
women candidates.
Nurul Arifin, who was also present at the database launching,
said she welcomed her nomination after being recommended by
fellow activists, however feared that political parties would
only use her fame to attract voters.
"Thus far, two parties have approached me to involve me in
their programs. I have to be cautious about not being used as a
vote getter, therefore, I have not announced my commitment," she
said, declining to name the parties.
Indonesia will hold its first ever direct elections in 2004,
with the legislative election taking place on April 5 and the
presidential election between June and August.