DPD delegation visits South Africa

DPD delegation visits South Africa

JAKARTA: A delegation from Indonesia's Regional
Representatives Council (DPD) has been in South Africa for a one-
week visit to study the South African National Council of
Provinces (NCOP), which is similar to DPD.

The Indonesian delegation is expected to learn about NCOP's
experience in providing more effective representation for people
in the provinces.

NCOP was established in 1997 following constitutional changes
aimed at giving regional aspirations a voice in the new
democratic life of the country, according to a statement by the
South Africa Embassy here on Tuesday.

The delegation, consisting of five DPD members and three
members of the Secretariat-General of the People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR), is led by DPD Chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita.

The visit was organized by the International Institute for
Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). -- JP