Court nays independents

JAKARTA: The Constitutional Court rejected on Wednesday a request for a judicial review on the Presidential Elections Law, which denies independent candidates entry in the presidential race.

The panel of justices said the Constitution guaranteed the right of citizens to contest the presidential election, but their nomination must be endorsed by a political party or a group of parties.

Muljo Wibisono and Dion Bambang, who filed the request, said the verdict was disappointing.

The court's decision is final and binding. -- JP